“Incredibly Sad” — John Oliver Reacts to The Late Show Cancellation, Calls It a Major Loss for Comedy

The late-night television world was jolted this month by CBS’s unexpected decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Over the weekend, John Oliver, host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, became the latest high-profile figure to weigh in on the news — and his words were as heartfelt as they were sobering.

Speaking to reporters at an industry event, Oliver described the cancellation as “incredibly sad” and a “major loss for comedy.” A longtime friend and admirer of Colbert, Oliver took the opportunity to praise not only the host but also the behind-the-scenes staff and the enduring legacy of the program.

“I love Stephen, I love his staff, I love that show — it’s incredibly sad,” Oliver said. “That show meant a lot to people, and to see it end this way is hard.”

A Personal Connection to Late-Night

For Oliver, 48, the cancellation hit a deeply personal note. Growing up in England, The Late Show was one of his first glimpses into the glamorous, fast-paced world of American late-night television.

“I remember watching The Late Show during David Letterman’s era,” Oliver recalled. “It always felt like this glamorous world, a place where culture and comedy collided every night. To have been a guest on both Letterman’s and Stephen’s versions of the show was a real honor.”

Oliver, who has carved out his own niche in the late-night ecosystem with his Emmy-winning satirical news program, acknowledged that Colbert’s tenure represented more than just a continuation of the Letterman legacy — it was its own distinct era.

“Stephen took over an institution and made it his own,” Oliver said. “That’s not easy to do, and he did it with intelligence, wit, and genuine warmth.”

Admiration for Colbert’s Approach

Oliver was effusive in his praise for Colbert’s unique style, noting the balance the CBS host struck between sharp political commentary and broad, accessible humor.

“Stephen has an ability to address the most serious issues of the day while still making you laugh — not many people can do that,” Oliver said. “He has this rare mix of sincerity and satire that makes his comedy resonate beyond the punchline.”

That approach, Oliver suggested, is one reason why The Late Show under Colbert remained a cultural touchstone even as the late-night landscape fragmented in the age of streaming and social media.

A Major Loss for Comedy

Oliver didn’t mince words about the magnitude of the loss.

“It’s a major loss for comedy, for television, and for the national conversation,” he said. “Shows like that don’t just entertain; they help people process what’s going on in the world. They make you feel less alone in your frustration, your confusion, and even your joy.”

He credited Colbert and his team with sustaining a high standard of writing and production during an era when late-night shows have faced both declining ratings and increasing competition from digital-first platforms.

“That writing room was one of the best in the business,” Oliver said. “They could turn around a joke on the day’s headlines faster than almost anyone — and make it sharp, insightful, and funny.”

Optimism for the Future

Despite the disappointment, Oliver made it clear he’s optimistic about what comes next for Colbert.

“That man will not stop,” Oliver said with a smile. “He’s too talented and too driven to just walk away. I’m excited to see what he does next, whether it’s another show, a different format, or something completely unexpected.”

Oliver suggested that the changing media landscape could actually work in Colbert’s favor, giving him opportunities to explore new ideas without the constraints of network television.

“There’s so much room now for reinvention,” Oliver said. “We’ve seen incredible things happen when creative people take their work to streaming platforms or try hybrid formats. Stephen could do anything from a long-form interview series to a satirical documentary project, and people would follow him there.”

The Broader Late-Night Shake-Up

Oliver’s comments come at a time when late-night television is undergoing a seismic shift. The traditional model — dominated by network talk shows airing five nights a week — has been under pressure for years due to changes in viewing habits, advertising revenue, and audience demographics.

Hosts like Trevor Noah, James Corden, and Samantha Bee have all exited their shows in recent years, each citing a combination of personal and industry-related reasons. Meanwhile, streaming platforms and digital outlets have become increasingly important players in the comedy and political satire space.

“The business is changing so fast,” Oliver said. “But the need for smart, funny, thoughtful voices hasn’t changed at all.”

Colbert’s Legacy

Reflecting on Colbert’s tenure, Oliver emphasized the lasting impact his friend has had on audiences.

“Stephen’s legacy isn’t just about ratings or viral clips — though he had plenty of those,” Oliver said. “It’s about the trust people had in him to make sense of the chaos in a way that was both honest and humane.”

Oliver noted that in times of national crisis, Colbert’s monologues often struck a chord beyond the usual audience for comedy.

“When something awful happened, people tuned in to see what Stephen would say,” Oliver said. “That’s when you know you’re more than just a late-night host — you’re a voice people rely on.”

A Friendship Beyond Television

Oliver also shared a glimpse into his personal friendship with Colbert, describing him as “one of the kindest, most generous people” in the industry.

“He’s the same person off-camera as he is on-camera,” Oliver said. “Warm, curious, and genuinely interested in other people. That’s why his show worked — because it was built on a foundation of authenticity.”

Oliver said the two have stayed in touch since the cancellation was announced, though he wouldn’t reveal any details about Colbert’s plans. “I’ll let him tell that story,” he said.

Conclusion: An Era Ends, Another Begins

For Oliver, the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert marks the close of a significant chapter in late-night television — but not the end of Colbert’s influence.

“It’s incredibly sad to lose that show,” Oliver said. “But I don’t think we’re losing Stephen. He’ll find a new way to reach people, and it’ll be just as smart, just as funny, and just as essential.”

As the late-night world adjusts to yet another shake-up, Oliver’s words serve as both a eulogy and a rallying cry: a reminder of what’s been lost, and a hopeful nod toward what might come next.

One thing is certain — whether it’s behind a desk, in front of a camera, or somewhere entirely new, Stephen Colbert’s voice will continue to be heard.