Stephen Colbert Considers Leaving the U.S. After Firing: “Now I Understand Why Rosie and Ellen Left”

In a candid and emotional interview this week, late-night television icon Stephen Colbert revealed that he is seriously considering leaving the United States following his abrupt dismissal from CBS.

For nearly a decade, Colbert has been the face of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, blending sharp wit, political satire, and heartfelt storytelling into one of the most defining voices in late-night television. But now, in the wake of what he described as a “gut punch,” the comedian says he may no longer see his future in the country he has spent years satirizing and celebrating.

Speaking with reporters, Colbert didn’t hold back. “Now I understand why Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres left,” he said, his voice heavy with exhaustion and disbelief. “Sometimes, you just have to get out.”

A Career Built on Comedy and Courage

Since taking over The Late Show in 2015, following David Letterman’s retirement, Colbert carved out a late-night space that went beyond laughs. His monologues became cultural touchstones—part comedy, part catharsis—especially during moments of national upheaval.

Unlike many of his peers, Colbert leaned into controversy rather than away from it. His humor skewered politicians, challenged institutions, and voiced the anxieties of millions. Yet that same boldness often clashed with network sensitivities and advertiser concerns. While CBS executives framed his firing as a “strategic realignment,” sources close to the production suggest tensions had been brewing for years.

Echoes of Rosie and Ellen

Colbert’s comparison to Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres struck a cultural chord. Both women, who once commanded daytime and primetime audiences, eventually stepped away—citing the toxic environment that comes with being outspoken in American entertainment.

Rosie O’Donnell, once dubbed America’s “Queen of Nice,” left the U.S. after years of media scrutiny and political feuds. Ellen DeGeneres, after a historic run that changed the face of daytime television, withdrew not only from her show but from much of public life, retreating abroad.

“I thought I understood what they went through,” Colbert admitted. “But you don’t really understand until it happens to you—until you’ve been pushed out of the thing you love, and you’re left asking, ‘What now?’”

Shockwaves Among Fans and Colleagues

News of Colbert’s firing and his possible departure from the U.S. left fans stunned. Social media quickly flooded with messages of support, with hashtags like #WeStandWithColbert and #LateNightLoss trending within hours.

Fellow comedians and political figures also chimed in. Seth Meyers called him “the conscience of late-night.” Samantha Bee tweeted, “We cannot afford to lose voices like Stephen’s—not to firing, and not to exile.” Even one U.S. senator described him as “a national treasure who told the truth, even when it stung.”

Wrestling With Patriotism and Pain

Perhaps most surprising was Colbert’s acknowledgment of how deeply his firing shook his sense of identity.

“When you he confessed. “I love this country. But right now, I don’t know if I can stay.”

For a comedian long known for his patriotism—even while critiquing the system—the remark underscored just how personal this loss feels.

What Comes Next?

Colbert has not announced concrete plans. Some speculate he could follow Rosie and Ellen by relocating to Europe or Canada, where the media climate is often less hostile. Others believe he might pivot to streaming, podcasting, or independent platforms that grant him the creative freedom CBS could not.

Industry insiders agree: Colbert’s voice is too important to remain silent. Whether in exile or on a new stage, his impact on American culture will endure.

A Legacy Already Secure

From the satirical brilliance of The Colbert Report to the earnest but equally biting run on The Late Show, Colbert has redefined what political comedy can mean in America. He showed that laughter can comfort and challenge at the same time—that jokes can also be resistance.

Millions of viewers will feel his absence like the loss of a trusted friend—the kind who always told the truth, even when it was uncomfortable.

A Farewell, or Just a Pause?

As Colbert reflects on his future, the uncertainty mirrors the fragility of American entertainment itself: even its brightest satirists remain vulnerable to the tides of politics, ratings, and corporate decisions.

“I don’t know if this is a farewell or just a pause,” he told reporters, his voice tinged with sadness but also hope. “But if I do go, I hope people remember why I did what I did. I tried to make them laugh. I tried to make them think. And I tried to make this country a little better, one joke at a time.”