Stephen Colbert Mocks Rumors About His Next Move

Stephen Colbert used humor to address speculation about his future as The Late Show With Stephen Colbert approaches its final episode in May.

During the April 23 episode, Colbert referenced a range of online rumors about his next move, including claims that he might join CNN, start a wildlife rescue, or run for president. He joked that all of them were “partially true,” before delivering a comedic bit about becoming the “president of an animal sanctuary” for a fictional species called the “Blitzer Wolf,” a nod to CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer.

He then introduced a mock television project titled Uncle Cops, described as a dramatic procedural about two detectives who are also uncles. A fake trailer showed Colbert and actor John C. Reilly as partners balancing police work with family responsibilities. The segment was presented as a parody and not an actual series.

While much of the segment was comedic, Colbert has previously indicated at least one real plan. In March, he said he intends to work on a new Lord of the Rings film project that he and his son pitched to director Peter Jackson. He noted that ending The Late Show would give him time to pursue that effort.

CBS announced in July 2025 that The Late Show would end in May 2026, citing financial pressures in late-night television. The network said the decision was not related to ratings or the show’s content and confirmed that the franchise itself would be retired rather than continuing with a new host.

Colbert addressed the cancellation shortly after the announcement, saying the end of the show also marks the end of The Late Show brand on CBS. He added that he planned to continue hosting through the final months.

The last episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is scheduled to air May 21. Beginning May 22, Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen will take over the 11:35 p.m. time slot.