The network has called the cancellation “a purely financial decision”—but it feels like only the beginning of the end for an entire genre.

"Next year will be our last season,” the late-night talk show host announced Thursday, July 17. "The network will be ending 'The Late Show’ next May."

The late night host looks ahead to the next 10 months, assuring his crew and studio audience, "It's going to be fun."