The entertainment and political worlds were thrown into a whirlwind of reactions after CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end its run in May 2026. The decision, which shocked fans and industry insiders alike, has sparked a fierce backlash from prominent figures in both Hollywood and politics, with many speculating that political motivations may be behind the sudden cancellation.

A Divisive Move: Hollywood’s Response

As news of the cancellation spread, figures from across the entertainment industry quickly voiced their outrage. Longtime friends and colleagues of Colbert, including Jimmy Kimmel, Ben Stiller, John Cusack, Andy Richter, and Michael Ian Black, took to social media to express their disappointment. In particular, Jimmy Kimmel, who hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! and shares a close relationship with Colbert, posted a blunt and emotional response on Instagram.

Kimmel shared a story with a simple, forceful message: “Love you Stephen. Fuck you and all your Sheldons CBS.” This raw reaction captured the frustration felt by many who believe Colbert’s cancellation is not solely due to financial pressures, but may also be politically motivated.

A Strong Show of Support from Colbert’s Fans

The support from Colbert’s fans and colleagues came flooding in across social media, with many praising his legacy and expressing sadness at the end of his late-night reign. Jon Batiste, the former Late Show bandleader, shared his admiration for Colbert in the comments, writing, “The greatest to ever do it. My admiration and appreciation for you is bottomless.”

Filmmaker and producer Judd Apatow also joined in, expressing his heartfelt support with, “Excited to see what other brilliance you put into the world. ❤️” Meanwhile, Snow White actress Rachel Zegler posted, “I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen,” while Severance star Adam Scott voiced his anger with a statement: “Love you Stephen. This is absolute bullshit, and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows. ✊😡💔.”

Politicians Weigh In: Could Politics Be Behind the Cancellation?

In the political sphere, reactions have been just as intense. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, known for her vocal stance on corporate accountability, voiced her concern over the timing of Colbert’s show being canceled. Warren, who had previously opened an investigation into whether Paramount Global’s $16 million settlement with Trump was an act of bribery to secure approval for its merger with Skydance Media, questioned whether the show’s cancellation was politically motivated.

Warren took to social media to write, “CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery. America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.”

A Media Insider’s Take: The Financial and Political Fallout

Former New York Times media reporter Bill Carter, who has covered the late-night television landscape for decades, weighed in on the cancellation, offering insight into the underlying financial and political dynamics. In his post on X, Carter commented, “The financial side of that business has definitely been under pressure, as CBS release asserts, but if CBS believes it can escape without some serious questions about capitulating to Trump, they are seriously deluded.”

Carter’s remarks underscore the growing suspicion that the decision to cancel The Late Show is more than just about declining ratings and financial woes. The timing of the announcement—coming shortly after Colbert’s criticism of Paramount’s settlement with Trump—has led many to speculate that CBS may have made the decision to distance itself from Colbert’s politically charged content in order to appease Trump and secure the approval of the merger.

The Impact on Colbert’s Legacy

Stephen Colbert has long been a prominent figure in late-night television, known for his sharp political humor and biting critiques of former President Donald Trump. Since taking over The Late Show in 2015, Colbert’s show became the top-rated late-night program, particularly for his scathing commentary during the Trump administration. Colbert’s ability to blend humor with serious political commentary made him a favorite of viewers looking for a progressive voice in late-night television.

However, as late-night television continues to evolve and streaming platforms take a larger share of the audience, traditional networks like CBS are facing significant financial pressure. CBS, which has already seen the cancellation of The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2023, is reportedly struggling to maintain profitability in the face of declining ad revenue. The network’s decision to pull Colbert’s show reflects the growing trend of late-night programs becoming less profitable for traditional broadcast networks.

The Broader Implications for Late-Night Television

The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert signals a larger shift in the landscape of late-night television. As networks continue to face financial challenges, there is growing concern that political content and sharp commentary, especially regarding controversial figures like Trump, could become a liability for networks looking to appeal to a broader audience. Colbert’s departure raises questions about whether late-night television is moving toward more neutral or lighter entertainment, rather than continuing to be a platform for political discourse and social commentary.

For now, the future of late-night television on CBS remains uncertain, and Colbert’s fans are left to wonder what comes next for one of the most influential and outspoken voices in the industry. While Colbert has yet to address the cancellation in detail, his legacy as a late-night host is undeniably significant. His show became synonymous with progressive political humor, and his departure from the late-night scene marks the end of an era for CBS.

Conclusion: A Shocking End to a Late-Night Legacy

The decision to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has shaken the foundations of late-night television, leaving fans, fellow comedians, and political figures in disbelief. While CBS has cited financial concerns as the reason for the cancellation, the timing and political context of the decision have raised serious questions about the true motivations behind the move.

As Colbert prepares for his final year on air, the entertainment industry and political landscape will continue to watch closely. The end of The Late Show is not just the end of a late-night program—it’s the end of a chapter in television history, and its consequences will likely be felt across the media landscape for years to come.