John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, has broken his silence on CBS’s shocking decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. While he called the news “terrible” for the comedy world, Oliver also expressed excitement about what Colbert might do next. With nearly a year left before the show wraps up in May 2026, could Colbert take risks and push the boundaries of late-night TV even further in his final months? And with political pressures looming, could this be the start of a bold new chapter for Colbert? What’s next for the man who changed late-night forever?

John Oliver Speaks Out on Colbert’s Future After CBS Cancels The Late Show

John Oliver, the host of Last Week Tonight, has broken his silence on the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and expressed his thoughts on what lies ahead for Colbert following the news. As someone well-versed in navigating network drama, Oliver’s comments offer insight into the larger implications of Colbert’s firing and his upcoming final months on CBS.

Oliver’s Reaction: “Terrible News” for Comedy, but “Excited” for Colbert’s Next Moves

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Oliver described CBS’s decision to cancel Colbert’s show as “terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy.” He emphasized how Colbert’s show has been a vital part of late-night television, contributing significantly to the landscape of political and social discourse.

However, with a characteristic smirk, Oliver also expressed a sense of anticipation. “I’m partly excited to see what they’re gonna do for the next ten months,” he said, hinting at the possibility of Colbert embracing a newfound freedom now that the pressure of maintaining a long-term position at CBS is off his shoulders. Oliver speculated that Colbert might take risks or push boundaries in his final months, potentially delivering even bolder performances than before.

The End of The Late Show: Colbert’s Final Season

CBS recently announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be ending after the 2025-2026 season, with its final episode scheduled for May 2026. This gives Colbert nearly a year to continue his work with the show before it wraps up, providing ample time for both personal reflection and a potential shift in his approach.

The news came just days after Colbert publicly criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount, for settling a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump. Colbert referred to the settlement as a “big fat bribe,” which led to speculation that political pressure might have played a role in the network’s decision to end the show.

Political Pressures: The Timing of Colbert’s Cancellation

Oliver, who has been vocal about his own battles with corporate giants and political issues, also addressed the timing of the cancellation. The move followed Colbert’s criticism of Paramount, which settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from Trump’s claim that CBS edited a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to make her look more favorable. Many Democratic politicians and media insiders have raised concerns that Colbert’s firing might have been influenced by political pressures, given his outspoken criticism of the Trump administration.

Oliver, who has himself criticized corporate entities like AT&T in the past, expressed his deep affection for Colbert and his show. “I love Stephen, I love his staff. I love that show,” Oliver said, noting that he had been Colbert’s most frequent guest, appearing 20 times over the course of nearly a decade.

The Impact of Late-Night Shows: Oliver’s Personal Connection

Oliver also reflected on the significance of late-night shows in shaping his own career and values. Growing up in England, Oliver admired shows like Late Night with David Letterman, which set a glamorous example of the world of late-night television. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work in a space that had been so influential to him, and how the cancellation of The Late Show represents a loss for both the industry and its fans.

Colbert’s Future: What’s Next for the Popular Host?

Despite the sadness over Colbert’s show ending, Oliver remained optimistic about what comes next for the host. “That man will not stop,” Oliver said confidently, suggesting that Colbert will likely find new projects and continue making waves in the media world. Whether Colbert takes a break or jumps into a new venture, Oliver’s faith in Colbert’s talent and resilience suggests that this is not the last we’ll hear from him.

A New Era in Late-Night Television

The cancellation of The Late Show and the uncertainty about Colbert’s future highlights a broader shift in the late-night television landscape. As the industry grapples with changes in viewer habits, digital content consumption, and corporate pressures, Colbert’s departure marks the end of an era.

However, with Oliver’s support and the public’s admiration for Colbert’s unique voice and approach to political satire, it’s clear that Colbert’s influence will continue to resonate long after his CBS tenure ends. Whether it’s through new television projects, digital platforms, or other media, Stephen Colbert’s future remains bright, and Oliver’s prediction of his continued success seems all but certain.