Stars Rally Around Stephen Colbert After Shock Cancellation of The Late Show
Hollywood Stunned by CBS Decision
In a move that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, CBS announced on July 17, 2025, that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will come to an end in May 2026. The decision, attributed to financial pressures, sparked widespread reaction from fans, celebrities, and political figures alike.
That same evening, Colbert addressed the news live on-air, thanking his loyal audience and crew. “We’ve got one more year together,” he said with sincerity. “Let’s make it count.”
Celebrities and Comedians Show Support
The late-night community and Hollywood elites quickly rallied behind Colbert:
- Jimmy Fallon said he was “completely shocked,” calling Colbert “one of the sharpest, funniest minds in late-night history.”
- Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hold back, slamming CBS with an expletive-laden post across social media.
- Seth Meyers praised Colbert’s integrity and humor, while John Oliver said he was “cherishing every episode” left.
- Emotional tributes also came from Ben Stiller, Rachel Zegler, Adam Scott, Judd Apatow, Jon Batiste, and Andy Cohen—many expressing disbelief and gratitude.
Politics Behind the Curtain?
While CBS cited budget constraints, many suspect the real reason may be political. Colbert has been a vocal critic of CBS parent company Paramount, particularly over its $16 million settlement with Donald Trump. The timing raised eyebrows, especially with Paramount seeking federal approval for a major merger.
- Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, along with Rep. Adam Schiff, questioned whether the move was influenced by political pressure.
- Fox News host Howard Kurtz suggested CBS is “caving to Trump” to gain regulatory favor.
- Meanwhile, Keith Olbermann dismissed the theory, noting that if CBS truly wanted to silence Colbert, they wouldn’t have given him another season.
As speculation swirls, one thing remains clear: Colbert’s legacy is intact, and his final season promises to be unforgettable.
Trump Cheers Colbert’s Exit — Takes Aim at Kimmel and Fallon
Former President Donald Trump wasted no time celebrating the cancellation. On Truth Social, he declared Colbert “fired,” taunted Jimmy Kimmel as “next in line,” and took a swipe at Jimmy Fallon, calling him “a total flop.” The post sparked immediate backlash — and renewed fears that politics may be driving programming decisions behind the scenes.
The Decline of Late-Night TV
CBS cited mounting financial losses — reportedly around $40 million annually — and plummeting ad revenue as key reasons for shutting down The Late Show. But Colbert’s exit also highlights a broader trend: the slow collapse of traditional late-night television in the age of streaming, fractured audiences, and shifting viewer habits.
More Than Just Business
While the network maintains this is purely a financial decision, many in the industry suspect otherwise. With Colbert’s relentless critiques of CBS’s parent company and Donald Trump, the timing feels suspect to some. Political influence, corporate deals, and cultural shifts may all be at play.
Whatever the cause, one truth is clear: late-night TV just lost one of its boldest and most influential voices.