AceShowbiz - In 2026, television audiences are facing the end of several beloved series, with multiple fan-favorite programs being canceled, notably across CBS and NBC. Among the most impactful is the announcement that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will conclude its run in May 2026, marking a significant shift in late-night television.

Stephen Colbert revealed the cancellation in July 2025, informing viewers that the upcoming season would be the show's last. During a live taping, he shared, "Next year will be our last season, the network [CBS] will be ending The Late Show in May." The announcement was met with audible disappointment from the audience.

Reflecting on the show's impact, Colbert expressed, "It's not just the end of our show but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away." He also acknowledged his gratitude towards CBS and the loyal viewers who tuned in nightly, adding that the network had been "great partners" throughout the show's tenure.

CBS executives clarified the cancellation was not due to any issues with the show's performance or content but instead attributed the decision to financial considerations. Alongside the end of The Late Show, CBS also canceled other series including Watson and DMV, both of which have been fan favorites in their own right.

The fate of Watson was uncertain for some time in early 2026. While CBS announced several early renewals in January, Watson and DMV remained in limbo. Ultimately, CBS decided not to renew Watson, with its series finale scheduled to air on May 3, 2026. This decision came after CBS confirmed that the success of other shows like Marshals and CIA influenced their programming choices.

Similarly, DMV was canceled after one season. Its cancellation was confirmed alongside decisions on other CBS comedies, including the rejection of The Tillbrooks and the renewal of Eternally Yours. DMV’s finale aired on May 11, 2026.

On the NBC front, the long-running franchise Law and Order: Organized Crime was also canceled in April 2026 after five seasons. This series experienced significant behind-the-scenes turmoil, including multiple showrunner changes. From Matt Olmstead’s initial tenure to a succession of replacements—Ilene Chaiken, Barry O'Brien, Bryan Goluboff, Sean Jablonski, and John Shiban—the show struggled to maintain consistent leadership. These upheavals culminated with NBC’s decision to end the series during production of its fifth season.

As for CBS’s late-night programming, following the end of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the network announced that Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen will take over the time slot. This comedy talk show, currently airing after The Late Show, will be followed by Byron Allen’s game show, Funny You Should Ask.

2026 has proven to be a challenging year for television fans, with cancellations spanning multiple networks and genres.

Netflix also faced notable cancellations this year, including Boots, which was dropped just two months after its premiere. This scripted series, based on Greg Cope White’s memoir, depicted the story of Cameron (played by Miles Heizer) and his journey in the U.S. Marine Corps during the 1990s alongside his best friend Ray (Liam Oh).

Another disappointment for viewers came with the cancellation of Good Cop/Bad Cop on The CW. This Canadian import had built a dedicated following, making its cancellation particularly disheartening for fans of international dramas on the network.

Overall, 2026’s television landscape is marked by significant changes, including the end of venerable series and the reshuffling of network priorities. CBS and NBC’s decisions to cancel several shows underscore the evolving nature of TV programming and the financial pressures networks face.

As fans prepare to say goodbye to these programs, many are already looking ahead to what new content will fill the voids left behind in the coming seasons.