In a blistering monologue that had the audience on the edge of their seats, Stephen Colbert boldly declared himself a “martyr” following the news of The Late Show’s cancellation in 2026. With his trademark sharp wit, Colbert took aim at his critics, declaring, “How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?” His fiery response set the tone for what would be a defiant and unflinching final months on CBS, as Colbert vowed to ramp up his critiques with the gloves officially coming off. With CBS citing financial reasons for the cancellation, the burning question remains: Is this the end of Colbert’s late-night reign, or is there more behind the curtain?

Stephen Colbert Calls Himself a ‘Martyr’ After Show Cancellation, Slams Trump in Fiery Monologue

In an explosive monologue on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the comedian declared himself a “martyr” following the cancellation of his late-night show, as he lashed out at President Trump with an expletive-laced insult. Colbert, who has been one of Trump’s most outspoken critics on late-night television, didn’t hold back in his response to the former president’s recent comments about the cancellation.

Colbert’s Scorched Earth Response: A Martyr in the Spotlight

The controversy began when President Trump took to Truth Social to gloat about Colbert’s show being canceled. “I absolutely love that Colbert was fired,” Trump wrote, before speculating that Jimmy Kimmel, another late-night host, might be next on the chopping block. Colbert, not one to shy away from a challenge, took immediate aim at the president during his monologue on Monday night.

“How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?” Colbert quipped, before delivering the now-infamous line: “Go f–k yourself.” His fiery words drew a sharp response from the audience and set the tone for what would become an intense and defiant broadcast.

Defiant Humor in the Face of Cancellation

Amid the tumult of his show’s cancellation, Colbert chose to frame himself as a martyr of sorts. With biting sarcasm, he declared, “Absolutely not,” when Trump suggested that Kimmel would be next. In Colbert’s view, there was no room for another figure to take his place on the “cross” of late-night television, and he was more than willing to take the mantle himself.

“Kimmel, I am the martyr. There’s only room for one on this cross. And the view is fantastic from up here. I can see your house,” Colbert joked, taking a pointed jab at Trump’s residence. This statement was a clear indication that, even in the face of adversity, Colbert wasn’t backing down from his signature brand of politically charged comedy.

A Vow to Ramp Up the Criticism: “The Gloves Are Off”

Colbert’s words weren’t just a response to Trump’s gloating; they were a declaration of his intent to intensify his criticisms in the months leading up to his show’s final season. “They made one mistake, they left me alive,” Colbert continued, emphasizing that with the cancellation of The Late Show scheduled for May 2026, the gloves were officially coming off. “For the next 10 months, the gloves are off,” he vowed, signaling that his biting satire and sharp critiques would only escalate as the end of his time on CBS drew nearer.

CBS Cites Financial Reasons for Show’s Cancellation

The cancellation of The Late Show was officially announced by CBS just days after Colbert’s sharp comments about a $16 million settlement between Paramount, CBS’s parent company, and the Trump administration. CBS attributed the decision to financial factors, including a broader strategy shift and a desire to bring in younger, more cost-effective talent. While Colbert’s show had enjoyed solid ratings and critical acclaim, it appears that the network’s decision was influenced by financial pressures and a shift in priorities.

The timing of the cancellation, coming on the heels of Colbert’s comments about Paramount’s deal with the Trump administration, has raised eyebrows. Colbert had referred to the settlement as a “big fat bribe” in reference to the deal’s connection to Paramount’s ongoing merger with Skydance Media, which needed the Trump administration’s approval. Whether or not Colbert’s outspoken criticism of the deal played a role in his show’s axing remains unclear, but it is certainly a subject of speculation among both media insiders and fans.

The Late-Night Landscape Shifts: Colbert’s Impact on Television

Colbert has been a major figure in late-night television since he took over The Late Show in 2015, bringing a new edge to the format with his blend of political satire, humor, and sharp social commentary. Over the years, he has become one of Trump’s most persistent critics, using his platform to call out the former president’s policies, rhetoric, and behavior. Colbert’s wit and incisive commentary made him a fixture of late-night television, but the cancellation of his show marks the end of an era for The Late Show and for Colbert’s presence on CBS.

As Colbert prepares for the final months of his tenure, his commitment to speaking truth to power remains unwavering. Whether or not his next career move will be as politically charged as his late-night run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Stephen Colbert’s departure from CBS is sure to leave a significant void in the landscape of late-night television. The question now is whether that space will be filled with another satirical voice or if the late-night format will evolve in a new direction altogether.

In the meantime, Colbert’s bold, fearless approach to his final months on CBS will undoubtedly continue to captivate his audience, as he remains one of the few voices in late-night television unafraid to take on the political establishment—no matter the cost.