Stephen Colbert’s Late-Night Rivals Show Their Support as CBS Cancels The Late Show

Following CBS’s shocking announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will be canceled after more than 30 years, Stephen Colbert’s fellow late-night hosts have come together to express their support. The decision to end the show, which will air its final broadcast in May 2026, has left the late-night television world reeling.

Reactions from Colbert’s Late-Night Peers

Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was the first to comment on the news, reposting a clip of Colbert’s announcement to his Instagram story with the caption: “Love you Stephen. F–k you and all your Sheldons, CBS.”

The next morning, Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, also shared his thoughts on social media: “I’m just as shocked as everyone,” he wrote on his Instagram story. “Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years, going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”

Seth Meyers, host of NBC’s Late Night, also expressed his support, writing: “For as great a comedian and host he is, @StephenAtHome is an even better person. I’m going to miss having him on TV every night but I’m excited he can no longer use the excuse that he’s ‘too busy to hang out’ with me.”

John Oliver and Andy Cohen Weigh In

John Oliver, host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, was asked about Colbert’s ouster during an appearance at a Minor League Baseball game. “I love Stephen, I love his staff. I love that show. It’s incredibly sad,” Oliver said. “I am partly excited to see what they’re going to do for the next 10 months. It’s terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy. Late-night shows mean a lot to me, not just because I work in them, but because even growing up in England, I would watch Letterman’s show, which of course was Stephen’s show, and think about what a glamorous world that was, so to have gotten to be on Letterman’s show and Stephen’s show has been always one of the most fun things, so it’s very, very, very sad news. I look forward to seeing what he’s going to do next because that man will not stop.”

Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live!, also chimed in during a red carpet interview with Deadline, calling it “a sad day for late-night television.” He added, “I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent.”

The End of an Era for CBS and Late-Night TV

The decision to cancel The Late Show is not just the end of Colbert’s tenure—it marks the end of the franchise itself, which began in 1993 with David Letterman as the original host. Colbert made the heartbreaking announcement during Thursday’s taping, which was met with loud boos from the studio audience. “Yeah, I share your feelings,” Colbert admitted candidly.

CBS issued a statement explaining that the cancellation was purely due to financial reasons, citing a “challenging backdrop in late night.” The network emphasized that it had nothing to do with the show’s performance, content, or anything involving the parent company, Paramount. However, the timing of the decision has led many to speculate that there are deeper issues at play.

A Troubling Context: The Trump Lawsuit

It’s worth noting that Paramount, CBS’ parent company, recently paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview. Trump accused 60 Minutes of deceptively editing the interview with his opponent, Kamala Harris. Some have speculated that this settlement could have had a hand in the timing of Colbert’s cancellation, though CBS has denied any connection.

Fans React

Following Colbert’s announcement and the subsequent wave of support from his fellow late-night hosts, fans have flooded social media to share their thoughts. Some are heartbroken by the news, while others are angry about the treatment Colbert and the show received.

One user tweeted, “This is a huge loss for late-night television. Stephen Colbert’s wit and commentary have shaped the conversation for years. It’s a sad day for comedy.”

Another tweeted: “No matter how many times they try to cancel him, Stephen Colbert will always be a legend.”

As Colbert’s final months on The Late Show unfold, it’s clear that the late-night TV landscape is facing significant changes. The cancellation marks a pivotal moment in the history of CBS and late-night television, and as Colbert’s colleagues and fans rally around him, the question remains: What’s next for Stephen Colbert?

In the meantime, fans and fellow hosts alike will continue to show their support, awaiting whatever Colbert chooses to do next. One thing’s for sure—his influence on comedy and late-night television will not be easily forgotten.