There was a display of support on Monday night as Stephen Colbert’s colleagues rallied behind him following CBS’s announcement of canceling his show in 2026.
Many were shocked and criticized the decision, suggesting it was influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump due to a recent controversy involving the show “60 Minutes” and Kamala Harris.
Colbert, a vocal critic of Trump, criticized Paramount for settling a lawsuit with the president for $16 million earlier this month. Legal experts were surprised by the settlement, considering the low chances of success in court.
Trump confirmed receiving the settlement, intending to allocate it to his future presidential library.
Both CBS and Colbert confirmed the cancellation of “The Late Show” on Thursday. Colbert used his opening monologue on Monday night to question the reasons behind the decision, joking about “cancel culture” and expressing his readiness to share unfiltered opinions about Trump.
In response to Trump’s celebratory post about the show’s cancellation, Colbert bluntly replied, “Go f–k yourself.”
Jon Stewart from “The Daily Show” also criticized CBS sharply, questioning the motives behind the cancellation in light of recent events.
David Letterman, the original host of “The Late Show,” indirectly commented on the situation through a YouTube video showcasing past CBS mockery.
Other late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel reacted to the news, with Kimmel expressing his discontent on Instagram.
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, a Trump supporter, took a jab at Colbert, emphasizing his show’s higher ratings and dismissing claims of censorship.
As late-night TV faces shifts and controversies, the industry is left pondering the impact of Colbert’s show cancellation and the broader implications for late-night comedy.