Recommendations of the Editorial team
Both Hollywood and spectators shocked the decision of the CBS managers to end “The Late Show” in 2026. On Thursday, the broadcaster announced that his late night talk show, which was moderated by Stephen Colbert in the past ten years, will end in May 2026. The background is financial difficulties.
Colbert himself reacted to the announcement in his yesterday’s monologue: “I am not replaced. It all just disappears.” He added: “I would like to say that the people of CBS were great partners,” he said under the boos of the live audience.
After thanking his crew of 200 people and the spectators, Colbert noticed: “I tell you, it’s a fantastic job. I wish someone else would get him. And it is a job that I am looking forward to – with this usual gang of idiots for another ten months.”
Support from the celebrity world
Jimmy Kimmel, moderator from Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC, said Colbert’s video on Instagram and added: “Love You Stephen. Fuck You And All Your Sheldons CBS.”
Many of Colbert’s regular guests were dismayed. “I’m sorry to hear that @CBS will put on one of the best programs you have,” wrote Ben Stiller on X. “I wish everyone who works so hard on this show.”
“Love You Stephen. This is absolute bullshit, and I personally look forward to the next ten months of the show. ✊😡💔”, wrote Adam Scott in response to Colbert’s video. Judd Apatow added: “My admiration and appreciation for you is limitless. I am excited to see what other brilliant things you bring into the world. ❤️.”
Katie Couric was incredulous and asked for more information. “I’m so angry about it,” she commented under the video. “I need more information. We love you @stephenathome ❤️.”
Criticism of CBS – and political assumptions
In Anderson Cooper 360, moderator Anderson Cooper The Late Show and Colbert’s work tribute. “I want to take a moment to say how shocked and really sad I am about the news that this program will be discontinued,” said Cooper. “Stephen Colbert is smart and funny and has real conversations with people in his show.”
Michael Ian Black commented on Bluesky: “Congratulations to Stephen Colbert for never submitted.”
Andy Richter, a late night veteran, wrote: “Stephen Colbert is a deeply good and highly gifted man with a great team and an excellent show. They all earn better.” He also shared a screenshot of a text discussion that Trump blamed for the decision.
Elizabeth Warren questioned the motives behind the decision of CBS. “Colberts set off just three days after his criticism of CBS mother Group Paramount because of a $ 16m comparison with Trump-a deal that looks like bribery,” wrote the senator to X. “America has a right to find out whether his show was deducted for political reasons.”
Adam Schiff, who performed as a guest in the last episode, also expressed the suspicion of political motives. “Especially recorded the show with Stephen Colbert, who announced that his show will be discontinued,” tweeted ship. “When Paramount and CBS The Late Show ended for political reasons, the public has the right to find out. And they deserve better.”
CBS: Decision is purely financially
In a statement, CBS said that the removal was financially justified. “This is a purely financial decision against the background of difficult framework conditions in the late night area,” said the broadcaster. “It is not related to the performance of the program, its content or other events at Paramount.”
Colbert started moderating The Late Show in 2015 and succeeded David Letterman after moderating the news satirical program The Colbert Report on Comedy Central. As of July, Colbert moderated the show at CBS for ten seasons and recorded it in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.