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Jimmy Kimmel — and other celebrities — aren’t mincing their words after CBS canceled Stephen Colbert‘s The Late Show for “financial” reasons.
Colbert, 61, confirmed the news during the Thursday, July 17, episode taping of his late night show, saying, “Before we start the show I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season, the network [CBS] will be ending The Late Show in May.”
The crowd booed as Colbert reflected on The Late Show’s legacy.
“I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” he continued. “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, and all around the world.”
Kimmel, 57, who hosts his own late night show on ABC, reposted a clip of Colbert’s announcement via his Instagram Story with the caption, “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS.”
Colbert also received support from Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen, who weighed in on the decision on the red carpet at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards in Los Angeles.
“I think it’s a sad day for late-night television,” he told Deadline on Thursday. “I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. He’s going to have an incredible next chapter.”
Cohen, 57, continued: “I can’t believe CBS is turning off the lights at 11:30 after the local news. I’m stunned. He’s one of three late-night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show.”
Cohen described CBS as a “powerhouse in late-night television” before concluding, “It’s sad for CBS, really.”
The outpouring of love continued on social media, where The Late Show band leader Jon Batiste wrote about Colbert, “The greatest to ever do it.” Severance star Adam Scott, meanwhile, replied, “Love you Stephen. This is absolute bulls***, and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows. ✊😡💔.”
Judd Apatow praised Colbert, writing, “My admiration and appreciation for you is bottomless. Excited to see what other brilliance you put into the world.” In a separate post via X, Ben Stiller added: “Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have. Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best.”
President and CEO of CBS George Cheeks released a statement on Thursday as well about ending The Late Show alongside President of CBS Entertainment Amy Reisenbach and president of CBS Studios David Staph.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” their statement read. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”
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They noted that the decision was a “financial” one and not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
“Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult. Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas,” the statement continued. “The show has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons; Stephen’s comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.”
The statement concluded: “The accomplishments of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert are memorable and significant in performance, quality and stature. With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers.”
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