They weren’t meant to be on the same stage.

They weren’t even meant to be on the same side.

But when CBS canceled “The Late Show” just days after Colbert mocked a $16M deal, the response wasn’t a whisper — it was a late-night rebellion.

Jimmy Fallon is crossing the street.

Jimmy Kimmel broke his vacation silence.

Seth Meyers is already crafting punchlines.

And John Oliver? He just called it what it is: a loss for everyone.

No network rivalry. No scripts. No pretending it’s all just TV.

Just four men with mics… and something to say.

So what’s really happening behind that curtain at the Ed Sullivan Theater?

And why is everyone in comedy suddenly showing up — but not laughing?

When Monday night arrives, it won’t just be Colbert’s farewell — It might be the moment network comedy stops playing nice.

Details 👇👇👇

Jimmy Fallon and Other Top Comedians Set to Rally Around Stephen Colbert Following Cancellation

In a show of solidarity and support for Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and other top comedians are set to make appearances on The Late Show following the shocking news of its cancellation. Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, is expected to cross the street from his NBC headquarters to stand with Colbert and speak out against the abrupt end of the late-night talk show. The gesture underscores the growing support Colbert is receiving from his peers in the industry as CBS prepares to pull the plug on one of the most successful programs in late-night television.

 

Comedians Unite to Support Colbert

Sources have confirmed that Fallon will be joined by a handful of other prominent comedians at the Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan on Monday. While the identities of all the comedians appearing have not yet been confirmed, speculation is rife that Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel, who is on vacation from taping episodes of his own show, will also show up to offer support.

Kimmel, who was vocal in his criticism of CBS after the cancellation was announced, shared a passionate message on Instagram: “Love you, Stephen. F—k you and all your Sheldons, CBS.” His post was a clear expression of solidarity with Colbert, as the news of his cancellation rocked the late-night community.

John Oliver, host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, also voiced his disappointment in CBS’s decision to cancel Colbert’s show. Speaking to the Associated Press, Oliver said, “Late-night shows mean a lot to me, not just because I work in them, because even growing up in England, I would watch (David) Letterman’s show, which of course was Stephen’s show, and think about what a glamorous world that was.” He added, “So it’s very, very, very sad news. I look forward to seeing what [Colbert is] gonna do next because that man will not stop.”

Fallon, Meyers, Oliver, Stewart & Cohen Show Up To 'The Late Show'

 

Seth Meyers Reflects on Colbert’s Legacy

Seth Meyers, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, also expressed his admiration for Colbert in an emotional post on Instagram. He wrote, “For as great a comedian and host as 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.” Meyers’ tribute highlights the personal bond and deep respect shared between the late-night hosts.

 

CBS’s Financial Justification for the Cancellation

CBS has justified the cancellation of The Late Show as a financial decision, citing the show’s significant losses. The Post previously reported that Colbert’s show was racking up a staggering $40 million in annual losses, with a budget exceeding $100 million per season. While Colbert’s show maintained solid ratings and was a critical success, sources suggest that declining viewership and a downturn in advertising revenue across late-night programming may have contributed to the decision.

The announcement of Colbert’s cancellation came just days after he publicly criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount, for its $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over a controversial 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The timing of this decision, which followed Colbert’s outspoken critique, has led to speculation that political pressures may have influenced the network’s actions. Paramount is also engaged in a high-stakes negotiation with the Trump administration for regulatory approval of its $8 billion sale to Skydance Media.

Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' is being canceled by CBS, citing 'financial  decision' - ABC News

 

What’s Next for Colbert and Late-Night TV?

The cancellation of The Late Show marks the end of an era in late-night television, and Colbert’s peers are rallying around him as the show’s final episodes draw near. The Late Show is set to end its run in May 2026, giving Colbert and his team a few more months to wrap up their tenure. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Colbert’s legacy in late-night television is secure, having become one of the most influential voices in American media.

As Colbert’s colleagues continue to show their support, the debate over the financial and political factors that led to the cancellation remains front and center. The industry is watching closely, as Colbert’s departure raises important questions about the changing landscape of late-night television and the pressures faced by media companies in today’s increasingly polarized environment.