In the wake of CBS’s stunning announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will come to an end in May 2026, late-night host Jimmy Fallon has expressed his surprise and disappointment over the network’s decision. Colbert, who has served as the face of CBS’s late-night programming since 2015, will be stepping down, leaving many fans, colleagues, and industry insiders in shock.

Fallon, who hosts The Tonight Show on NBC, took to social media to react to the news, sharing his thoughts and offering support for Colbert. In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram, Fallon wrote, “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years, going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”

A Shared Bond: Fallon and Colbert’s Long Friendship

Fallon’s message underscores the long-standing camaraderie between the two late-night hosts, who have built a strong friendship over the years. Both Colbert and Fallon made their mark on the late-night scene at different points, with Colbert becoming a key figure in political satire while Fallon embraced a more entertainment-focused format. Despite their differences in style, they have always maintained a mutual respect for one another.

Their bond goes back to when Colbert first entered the late-night space in 2015, taking over for David Letterman. Fallon, who had already established himself as the host of The Tonight Show, welcomed Colbert to the late-night circuit, offering support and advice as Colbert transitioned from The Colbert Report to his new role at CBS. Their professional relationship and friendship have been a source of mutual admiration and collaboration over the years.

The Impact of Colbert’s Cancellation on Late-Night TV

The decision to cancel The Late Show has far-reaching implications for late-night television, especially at CBS. Colbert’s show was known for its sharp political commentary and his ability to engage with the current political climate in ways that resonated with millions of viewers. His departure signals a shift in the late-night television landscape, with CBS potentially retreating from politically-driven content in favor of other programming.

Colbert’s cancellation comes just two years after the network ended The Late Late Show with James Corden, further emphasizing the challenges facing traditional late-night television. As audiences continue to flock to streaming services and digital content, networks like CBS are reevaluating their programming strategies, and the late-night format is facing increased pressure to evolve in response to changing viewing habits.

What’s Next for Late-Night TV?

With Colbert’s departure, the future of late-night television at CBS remains uncertain. While the network has yet to reveal what will replace The Late Show, speculation is rife that CBS may opt for a digital-first or streaming-based late-night model to align with changing audience preferences. Networks are shifting away from traditional late-night formats, and Colbert’s cancellation may be part of a broader strategy to adapt to the digital era.

For Fallon, Colbert’s cancellation raises questions about the future of political humor in late-night television. While The Tonight Show remains a major player in the late-night space, Fallon has generally steered clear of the level of political satire that Colbert was known for. If late-night television continues to pivot away from political commentary, it will be interesting to see how other hosts like Fallon navigate this changing landscape.

The Legacy of Colbert’s Late-Night Career

Stephen Colbert’s impact on late-night television is undeniable. His transition from The Colbert Report to The Late Show was a game-changer for CBS, and his ability to blend humor with serious political commentary made him one of the most influential figures in television. Colbert’s witty monologues, celebrity interviews, and political commentary helped shape the late-night TV landscape, especially during the Trump era.

Despite the cancellation, Colbert’s legacy in late-night television will endure. His style of political humor helped reimagine the role of late-night hosts as influential voices in political discourse. Whether he continues in late-night television or takes his talents elsewhere, Colbert’s contributions to the genre will continue to resonate for years to come.

Conclusion: The End of an Era for Late-Night TV

The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert marks the end of an era in late-night television. For Colbert, the decision is a bittersweet one, but it is clear that his influence on the genre will be remembered long after the final episode airs in May 2026. As for the future of late-night TV, the changing landscape of broadcast television raises questions about what comes next. Will Colbert’s departure signal the end of politically-driven late-night programming? Or will the genre evolve into something entirely new?

For now, fans are left to reflect on the contributions Colbert made to late-night television and the lasting impact of his unique voice in the media. As Jimmy Fallon aptly put it, “He’s one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it,” and whatever Colbert’s next move may be, it will surely continue to make waves in the entertainment world.