The world of television is buzzing with a familiar, yet unwelcome, sound: the cancellation notice. It feels like networks are trimming their rosters more than ever. The latest big news comes from CBS, who announced the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This move highlights a growing trend across the industry, where money talks louder than ratings or critical acclaim.
On Thursday, July 17, CBS executives shared the fate of the popular late-night show. They confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode in May 2026. This date marks the end of its broadcast season. The network stated that Stephen Colbert is "irreplaceable." They plan to retire the entire Late Show franchise at that time. CBS expressed pride that Colbert chose their network as his home. They believe he and the show will be remembered among the greatest in late-night television history.
CBS also made it clear that this was a "financial" decision. They stressed that it had nothing to do with the show’s performance, content, or any issues with Paramount. Despite The Late Show being the number one late-night program for nine straight seasons, its strong digital presence, and its influence on national culture, it simply wasn’t enough. The financial realities are hitting hard.
What’s really going on with CBS and other major networks? Let’s take a closer look at some other surprising and impactful cancellations.
NBC
Stephen Amell and Shanola Hampton NBC (2)
Back in May 2025, NBC decided to clear its schedule of several shows. Among them were Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, Found, The Irrational, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, and Suits LA. While The Hunting Party and Brilliant Minds were renewed, they were the only new shows to survive.
These deep cuts at NBC came after a massive new deal with the NBA. The network signed an 11-year contract, reportedly worth almost $2.5 billion per year. This agreement means NBC will broadcast up to 100 regular season games. Naturally, this huge sports commitment left less room and budget for original scripted programming in the fall.
HGTV
Keith Bynum and Nicole Curtis HGTV (2)
Even the home renovation giant HGTV joined the trend, axing five shows in June. These included Battle on the Beach, Farmhouse Fixer, Married to Real Estate, Bargain Block, and Izzy Does It. Strangely, the HGTV website later listed 11 shows looking for new participants. This hints that some titles might return for future seasons.
The network also postponed the premiere of Drew and Jonathan Scott’s new show, Chasing the West. The second season of Don’t Hate Your House With the Property Brothers faced delays as well. Reports from an entertainment news outlet confirmed that Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa’s show, Flipping El Moussas, would not return to HGTV. The same outlet also stated that Christina Haack’s series, Christina on the Coast, had not been renewed. Another source suggested that the trio’s show, The Flip Off, might get a second season, but production and air dates are still up in the air.
ABC
T.J. Holmes, Amy Robach, Eva Pilgrim, and DeMarco Morgan. Getty Images (2)
While ABC mostly renewed its scripted lineup, Doctor Odyssey was a surprising ax. The medical drama launched strong in September 2024. But after a mid-season break, the show’s future became uncertain. Reports hinted that high production costs contributed to the long wait for a renewal or official cancellation. A news source confirmed that a decision had to be made by June, when the cast’s contract options expired.
ABC’s unscripted programming also saw big changes. GMA3 experienced staff layoffs. DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim left the show in June. GMA3 then went through a rebrand, aligning more closely with Good Morning America. This left many viewers wondering if GMA3 itself might be ending. However, a spokesperson stated in April 2025 that the network was "unifying all time slots under the GMA umbrella." They added that the third hour is a "valuable part of the GMA franchise."
Netflix
Netflix, though not a traditional network, is certainly no stranger to cancellation controversies. The streaming giant has a history of ending shows after just one season. Sometimes, they even reverse earlier renewal decisions. High viewership numbers don’t guarantee a show’s survival anymore.
A prime example is the June cancellation of The Residence, Pulse, and The Recruit. Production on No Good Deed has also paused indefinitely. Industry reports noted that The Residence and Pulse had similar viewership to other Netflix shows that did get renewed, like XO, Kitty, Ransom Canyon, Forever, and Sweet Magnolias.
Ultimately, the cost-versus-performance equation played a big role in these shows’ futures. The Residence came with a hefty price tag. It had a star-studded cast, complex sets, and extensive special effects. The Recruit‘s second season involved expensive action scenes filmed in Korea. Other factors also came into play, like competition from rival series. The Residence was made on a smaller budget, more like traditional TV. Still, it would have been overshadowed by Netflix’s massive hit, Adolescence. Pulse premiered around the same time as HBO Max’s medical drama, The Pitt, which later earned an Emmy nomination.
While No Good Deed hasn’t been officially canceled, Netflix currently has no plans for more seasons. The message from TV land is clear: even popular shows are not safe in this tough financial climate.