The Late Show’s Cancellation Sparks Outcry and Solidarity
Jimmy Fallon, the host of The Tonight Show, kicked off his Monday broadcast with a humorous yet heartfelt opening. “I am your host,” he said, adding, “Well, at least for tonight.” This remark was a clear nod to the recent announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be ending after the 2025-26 season. Fallon expressed his disappointment, stating, “I don’t like what’s going on one bit. These are crazy times.”
Fallon joked about his father calling him to confirm he wasn’t a “Kimmel guy,” highlighting how widespread the news had become. He noted that everyone seemed to be talking about CBS’ decision to end the long-running late-night show. The announcement came as a shock to many in the entertainment industry, especially those who had followed the program since its inception in 1993.
A Historic End to a Beloved Show
In a joint statement from Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks, CBS Entertainment head Amy Reisenbach, and CBS Studios president David Stapf, it was confirmed that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026. The statement emphasized that Stephen Colbert is considered irreplaceable and that the show’s legacy will be remembered among the greats of late-night television.
The decision to cancel the show comes amid significant changes within Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS. The company is currently working towards a merger with Skydance, and it has also recently settled a lawsuit involving Donald Trump. Colbert had previously criticized the situation, which added to the tension surrounding the cancellation.
Financial Motives or Political Pressure?
Paramount and CBS assured the public that the decision was purely financial and not related to the show’s performance or content. However, many in the media and entertainment industry have raised concerns about the timing of the cancellation, especially given the ongoing political climate. Some believe that the move may be influenced by external pressures rather than business decisions alone.
Fallon addressed the potential impact of the cancellation during his monologue, joking that CBS could lose millions of viewers and even thousands of viewers on Paramount+. He praised Colbert for his decade-long contributions, noting his sharp wit and numerous Emmy Awards. Fallon also shared his own surprise at the news, saying, “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it.”
A Wave of Support for Colbert
Fallon was among a group of celebrities who showed support for Colbert during a Coldplay kiss cam parody skit on his show. Guests included Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper, Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, and Jon Stewart. Their presence highlighted the deep respect and admiration for Colbert’s work in the late-night space.
Colbert himself addressed the cancellation in his Monday night episode, vowing to speak openly about his feelings. He also mentioned the reaction from former President Donald Trump, who took to social media to express his opinion. Trump wrote, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.” He criticized Colbert’s talent and even suggested that Jimmy Kimmel might be next, claiming that Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined.
Union Condemns the Decision
The Writers Guild of America, which represents the writers of The Late Show, called for an investigation into Paramount’s decision. They argued that while cancellations are common in the entertainment industry, terminating a show due to political pressure is dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society. The union pointed to the attacks on free press by Trump, including lawsuits against CBS and ABC, as well as efforts to defund PBS and NPR.
A New Chapter for Late-Night Television
With The Late Show coming to an end, the late-night landscape is set for a major shift. Fans of the program are left wondering what the future holds for the genre and whether new voices will emerge to fill the void. For now, the outpouring of support from colleagues and fans alike suggests that Stephen Colbert’s legacy will continue to resonate in the world of television.