On May 22, 2026, former US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on social media depicting him throwing Stephen Colbert, the host of 'The Late Show,' into a dustbin, followed by a dance. This came shortly after Colbert's final episode aired on May 21, which was a star-studded farewell featuring several surprise guests. The series finale attracted 6.74 million viewers, making it the most-watched weeknight episode during Colbert's eleven-year tenure, even surpassing his debut episode's viewership of 6.55 million. CBS announced the cancellation of 'The Late Show' in July 2025, citing financial pressures as the primary reason. However, critics and Colbert himself suggested that political factors may have played a role, particularly after Colbert's criticism of Paramount regarding a $16 million legal settlement involving Trump. Following the show's conclusion, Colbert is shifting his focus to screenwriting, working on 'The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past' alongside notable collaborators, including filmmaker Peter Jackson.