CBS’ decision to end Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show is the latest in a trend of several networks mass canceling shows due to finances.
On Thursday, July 17, CBS executives released a statement about The Late Show’s fate.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” their statement read. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”
They revealed that it was a “financial” decision that was not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
The statement acknowledged that The Late Night “has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons; Stephen’s comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist” — but clearly that isn’t enough to keep the show on the air.
So what’s going on across CBS — and all networks? Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the most shocking — and controversial — mass cancellations:
NBC
In May 2025, the network pulled the plug on Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, Found, The Irrational, Grosse Pointe Garden Society and Suits LA. NBC renewed The Hunting Party and Brilliant Minds, but those are the only freshman shows that survived.
NBC’s harsh cuts came after the network signed an 11-year deal with the NBA. This agreement, which is worth nearly $2.5 billion per year, meant NBC will air up to 100 regular-season games, which affected the amount of original programming headed our way in the fall.
HGTV
The network known for home renovation shows canceled five shows in June: Battle on the Beach, Farmhouse Fixer, Married to Real Estate, Bargain Block and Izzy Does It.
HGTV’s website later highlighted 11 shows currently seeking participants, suggesting those programs could be returning for further seasons.
The network later postponed the release of Drew and Jonathan Scott’s new show Chasing the West while the second season of Don’t Hate Your House With the Property Brothers was delayed. Us Weekly subsequently confirmed that Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa’s Flipping El Moussas is “not coming back” to HGTV. The same went for Christina Haack’s series Christina on the Coast, which has also “not been renewed.”
According to a second insider, the trio’s The Flip Off was meant to be “back for a second season, but there is no filming date or air date yet.”
ABC
While most shows on ABC have gotten the greenlight, Doctor Odyssey was a biggest surprise cancellation. The medical drama debuted in September 2024 with a strong start but after a midseason hiatus, Doctor Odyssey ended up on the bubble.
Amid reports that production costs contributed to the lengthy pause before an official renewal or cancellation, Deadline confirmed that a decision would have to be made by June when the options on the cast were set to expire.
Unscripted programming experienced a similar shake-up when GMA3 went through a series of layoffs. DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim exited the show in June as GMA3 went through a rebranding in an effort to make the show more aligned with Good Morning America’s lineup. This made viewers question whether GMA3 could be coming to an end.
“What we have said from the beginning is that we are unifying all day parts under the GMA umbrella and team and that includes seeing all members of the extended GMA family in the third hour,” a spokesperson said in an April 2025 statement. “The third hour is a valued part of the GMA franchise.”
Netflix
While not one of the conventional networks, Netflix is no stranger to cancellation controversy. From canceling shows after just one season to taking back renewals, high ratings (or streams) are no longer a guarantee of a renewal.
Case in point, Netflix canceling The Residence, Pulse and The Recruit in June while hitting pause on No Good Dead. Deadline reported that the first two shows pulled in similar viewership to some of Netflix’s renewed shows including XO, Kitty, Ransom Canyon, Forever and Sweet Magnolias.
But ultimately cost vs. performance affected the shows and their future at Netflix. The Residence had a very high price point due to a star-studded cast, elaborate production design and extensive VFX work.
The Recruit, meanwhile, had a second season with tons of action sequences shot in Korea. Deadline noted that other factors — including competing TV shows — played a role as well. The Residence was produced on a more modest, broadcast-size budget but may have been overshadowed by Netflix’s breakout hit Adolescence. Pulse, meanwhile, came out at the same time as HBO Max’s medical drama The Pitt, which has gone on to become an Emmy-nominated series.
No Good Deed didn’t officially get canceled but Netflix currently has no plans for more seasons.
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