Stars Rally After CBS Drops Bombshell: ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ to End in 2026
CBS shocked the entertainment world on July 17, 2025, announcing that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will wrap up in May 2026—a decision they blame on financial pressures. Hours later, Colbert took to the stage to address his audience directly, promising one last unforgettable season and thanking his team and loyal viewers for nearly a decade of laughs.
Hollywood and Late-Night Unite Behind Colbert
The announcement sparked an immediate outpouring of support from fellow hosts and stars alike:
- Jimmy Fallon called the move “shocking” and hailed Colbert as “one of the sharpest, funniest hosts” in the game.
- Jimmy Kimmel went even further, blasting CBS in a profanity-laced post that lit up social media.
- Seth Meyers praised Colbert’s integrity, while John Oliver said he’s savoring every one of the final ten months.
- Big names including Ben Stiller, Rachel Zegler, Adam Scott, Judd Apatow, Jon Batiste, and Andy Cohen joined in, sending heartfelt tributes.
Politics or Profits? The Controversy Behind the Curtain
While CBS cites cost-cutting, some believe the decision may have political undertones. Colbert has repeatedly criticized Paramount—the network’s parent company—over its $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, fueling speculation that silencing him was the real motive.
Lawmakers Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Adam Schiff openly questioned whether political pressure played a role, especially as Paramount seeks approval for a major merger. Fox News’ Howard Kurtz accused CBS of caving to Trump to smooth the deal’s path.
Not everyone is buying the conspiracy: Keith Olbermann argued that giving Colbert another year on air undermines claims of political censorship.
One thing’s certain—Colbert’s final season is shaping up to be one for the history books.
Trump Revels, Throws Shade at Late-Night Hosts
Donald Trump took to Truth Social with unmistakable glee, crowning Colbert “fired” and ominously hinting that Jimmy Kimmel could be next in line. Fallon wasn’t spared either—Trump lobbed sharp criticism at the Tonight Show host, adding fuel to the late-night firestorm.
The Shrinking Late-Night Arena
CBS revealed that steep annual losses near $40 million and plunging ad revenues forced its retreat from late-night TV. This exit signals a major shakeup in an industry grappling with dwindling audiences and the relentless rise of streaming platforms.
What It All Means
While CBS insists this move is purely about finances, many insiders and viewers suspect a more tangled web—where political motives, corporate chess moves, and seismic shifts in media consumption collide. No matter the true story, the late-night world just lost one of its most powerful voices.