The television landscape in 2026 has seen the loss of several cherished series, including some popular CBS shows and a Law & Order spinoff.
In July 2025, Stephen Colbert confirmed that CBS would be concluding The Late Show.
Colbert addressed his audience, saying, “Before we start the show, I want to let you know something I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season; the network [CBS] will be ending The Late Show in May,” prompting boos from the crowd.
Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Colbert shared his thoughts on The Late Show.
Colbert continued, “I share your sentiments. It’s not just the end of our show but the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away. I want to express my gratitude to the folks at CBS for being great partners, and to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, both here and around the world.”
CBS executives issued a statement regarding their decision to end the iconic late-night program, clarifying that it was not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters at Paramount” but was allegedly due to financial reasons.
The network has also canceled several other shows, including DMV and Watson. Below are some of the most disappointing TV cancellations of 2026:
‘Law and Order: Organized Crime’ (NBC)
Law & Order: Organized Crime, which debuted in 2021, experienced numerous changes in its leadership. Matt Olmstead initially took on the role of showrunner but stepped down the same year. Ilene Chaiken replaced him for one season before Barry O’Brien took over.
Season 3 saw Bryan Goluboff as showrunner, but he left after three months. Sean Jablonski replaced him but departed due to “creative differences,” with David Graziano concluding the season.
NBC renewed the series for a fourth season with John Shiban as showrunner. However, Shiban left during the production of the fifth season, marking the sixth showrunner change in five seasons. NBC confirmed the cancellation of the series in April 2026.
DMV (CBS)
DMV awaited its fate at CBS while decisions regarding comedy pilots Eternally Yours and The Tillbrooks (formerly known as Regency) were made. Although The Tillbrooks was not picked up, Eternally Yours was, leading to the cancellation of DMV.
‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ (CBS)
In July 2025, CBS announced that The Late Show would be concluding. After its final season wraps in May 2026, Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen will take its place. This comedy talk show currently airs after The Late Show and is followed by Byron Allen’s other late-night game show, Funny You Should Ask.
The year 2026 has been harsh on TV fans, with many favorite shows getting canceled. Netflix ended Boots just two months after its premiere. The series, based on Greg Cope White’s memoir, followed Cameron (played by Miles Heizer) as he joined the U.S. Marine Corps with his best friend Ray (Liam Oh) during the 1990s.
Watson (CBS)
Another CBS series, Watson, also faced cancellation. In January, CBS announced early renewals for several shows, leaving Watson and DMV uncertain. According to Deadline, the future of Watson depended on the success of Marshals and CIA, both of which received quick renewals.
‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ (The CW)
A Canadian import on The CW, Good Cop/Bad Cop, also faced cancellation, much to the disappointment of its fans.
