Stephen Colbert’s New Job Revealed 2 Months Before Late Show Exit

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It’s never too late for Stephen Colbert to start a new chapter. 

Just two months before Stephen Colbert’s time hosting The Late Show concludes, director Peter Jackson announced that Colbert will be helping to write the screenplay for a new Lord of the Rings movie.

Following a March 25th announcement on X that the team behind Lord of the Rings was collaborating with a “very special partner,” Peter hinted that fans would soon find out who it was. The reveal came as Stephen Colbert appeared on screen reading a book from the series.

Stephen was thrilled about his new job, and as a huge fan of the books, he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.

Honestly, hearing that meant the world to me. He explained how much those books – and my films – personally resonated with him. It was a really lovely moment, knowing my work connected with someone on such a deep level.

Stephen had long believed that chapters three through six of the first book – sections that weren’t included in the films – could stand alone as a compelling story while still connecting to the overall narrative, and he wanted to make that the focus of the new movie.

He said it took him several years to work up the nerve to call me about his script. But around two years ago, he finally did, and I liked it enough to have a conversation with him about it.

And ever since, the two of them have been working together on “how to develop the story.”

Even before CBS cancelled the late-night show – which originally starred David Letterman in 1993 and ran for 33 years – the 61-year-old had hoped to take on this opportunity. He recently explained how everything finally came together for him to get the job.

I didn’t expect to have the time, even though I really enjoy it. I was worried I couldn’t balance both commitments, but it looks like I’ll have more availability starting this summer.

After a decade hosting The Late Show, Stephen Colbert—who shares three children, Madeleine, Peter, and John, with his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert—announced that he will conclude his run in May 2026.

In a video posted to Instagram on July 17th, Stephen Colbert announced that his show, The Late Show, is ending on CBS. He clarified that the show isn’t being cancelled with another host taking over – it’s simply concluding its run.

The Emmy-winning host expressed sadness over the network’s choice to end his show—something he’d only found out the previous day—and took the opportunity to thank his dedicated viewers and team.

He went on to express his thanks to everyone in the audience for coming. He also said how much he enjoyed performing with the band and all the talented artists each night, and he was especially thankful for the 200 people who work at the venue.

We enjoy working on this show together constantly, and I’ve been grateful for the chance to share our daily work with you all on camera for the past decade.

But The Late Show isn’t the only franchise going off the air. Keep reading for more TV cancellations…

The popular FBI series will return for a 20th season on Paramount+ in 2027, continuing to investigate shocking crimes and murders.

Apple TV announced the space drama will return for a sixth and final season.

The acclaimed comedy series, featuring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, will be back for its fifth and final season on April 9th.

Great news for fans! The Peacock reality show documenting Ashanti and Nelly’s relationship will be back for a second season.

After seven seasons, the Bravo show has stopped making new episodes. Several sources report that falling viewership led to the cancellation after the season finale in October. Hopefully, the show will return with the popular cast from Florida soon!

Brian “Q” Quinn, James “Murr” Murray, and Sal Vulcano are back for another season of laughs and pranks with the premiere of season 13 of their TBS show.

Prime Video’s thriller series will solve more mysteries and murder cases on season three.

Netflix will continue to offer episodes of the royal series With Love, Meghan, but not as a full third season. Seasons one and two were released in 2025, and instead of continuing the series with more seasons, new episodes will be released individually.

A representative for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed to Variety on March 17th that their animated series, With Love, Meghan, will return as occasional specials.

The post-apocalyptic drama starring Sterling K. Brown will return for season three on Hulu.

The popular dating show, Peacock, and its related series will both be back this year with new seasons – season eight for the main show and season two for the spinoff.

The popular Dutton family saga will continue! CBS has renewed the Yellowstone spin-off series, starring Luke Grimes, for another season.

Drew Barrymore‘s eponymous daytime talk show will be back for seasons seven and eight.

Even before its first season premieres in April, AMC has decided to renew its new drama for a second season.

The final season centers around Homelander, whose unpredictable and self-obsessed desires now completely control everything. Hughie, Mother’s Milk, and Frenchie are held captive in a so-called “Freedom Camp,” while Annie desperately tries to fight back against the powerful Supes. Kimiko has disappeared. When Butcher returns with a virus designed to eliminate all Supes, he unleashes a series of events that will drastically alter the world and the lives of everyone in it. This is the explosive conclusion – expect major developments!

Hey everyone, as a bit of lifestyle news, it looks like we’re saying goodbye to ‘Jersey Shore’! MTV just announced that the upcoming eighth season will be the last. So, if you’re a fan, get ready for one final dose of GTL and Jersey Shore fun – it’s going to be the last time!

The final season premieres May 7.

School will be back in session when Quinta Brunson‘s Emmy-winning ABC comedy returns for season six.

NBC has renewed the travel and adventure reality competition series for a sophomore season.

Even before the first season is released, Netflix has announced it will be making a second season of its new show based on the classic ‘Little House on the Prairie’ books.

The HBO drama will return for a fifth and final season sometime next year.

MGM+ has renewed the adventure drama for season two.

Jennifer Hudson‘s eponymous talk show will return for season five.

Kelly Clarkson’s talk show on NBC will end after its seventh season. Clarkson said it was a difficult decision, but she wants to prioritize spending more time with her children, River, 11, and Remington, 9, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

Kelly announced on February 2nd that she’s taking a step back from her regular work to focus on her children, saying it feels like the right thing to do at this point in her life. She emphasized this isn’t a permanent departure from music, and she plans to continue creating and performing occasionally, including potential appearances on The Voice.

Netflix confirmed on January 9th that “Black Mirror,” the anthology series created by Charlie Brooker, will be back for a new eighth season.

Noah Wyle will reprise his role as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch for the third season of The Pitt. HBO Max announced the renewal just before the season two premiere on January 8th, confirming the new season will arrive in 2026.

The FX series starring Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon will return for a second season, continuing its exploration of secrets and corruption in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The renewal was announced on January 7th.

The popular Paramount+ series featuring the McLusky family will conclude with its fifth season, the streaming service announced on January 5th.

Hello, season six! Emily in Paris has been renewed for a sixth season, just two weeks after season five became available on Netflix.

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2026-03-25 21:21