The show will end in May, the network said, calling it “a purely financial decision.”

In a decision that shocked the entertainment industry and comedy world, CBS said on Thursday that it was canceling the most-watched show in late night, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” and retiring a franchise that has existed for more than three decades.

Mr. Colbert’s run — and “The Late Show” itself — will end in May.

CBS executives said in a statement that the cancellation was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.”

“It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,” said the executives, who included George Cheeks, the president of CBS and a co-chief executive of Paramount, CBS’s parent. “Our admiration, affection and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult.”

Paramount is in