Cliff Notes – Hollywood stars lead fury as iconic show is cancelled after 32 years
- Stephen Colbert announced that The Late Show will conclude in May 2026, marking the end of the franchise on CBS after over three decades.
- The decision, described as purely financial by CBS executives, has sparked outrage among Hollywood figures, including Jimmy Kimmel and Rachel Zelger, who expressed their sadness and frustration.
- CBS praised Colbert’s contributions to late-night television, emphasising that the show’s cancellation is unrelated to its performance or content.
Hollywood stars lead fury as iconic show is cancelled after 32 years
After over three decades, a television institution is being pulled off air.
On Thursday night, The Late Show host Stephen Colbert confirmed the iconic late night talk show – which was originally hosted by David Letterman from 1993 to 2015 – is coming to an end, with Hollywood stars and politicians blasting CBS’ decision.
In his opening monologue, Colbert told his fans: ‘Before we start the show, I wanna let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season.’
After revealing the programme is ending in May, the 61-year-old host paused as the studio audience booed and jeered.
‘I share your feelings! It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,’ he added.
Colbert insisted the team at CBS ‘have been great partners’, and thanked the audience for their support over the last decade.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is coming to an end (Picture: CBS)
Colbert took over from David Letterman a decade ago (Picture: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)
‘I’m grateful to you, the audience who have joined us every night in here, out there,’ he said. ‘And I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here.’
Evita actress Rachel Zelger is among the stars to react to the ‘sad’ announcement.
‘I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen,’ she wrote, while former Late Show band leader Jon Batiste added: ‘The greatest to ever do it.’
Severance star Adam commented: ‘Love you Stephen. This is absolute bulls**t, and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows. ✊😡💔’
‘Filmmaker Judd Apatow focused on the future, insisting he’s ‘excited to see what other brilliance’ Colbert works on next.
The long running series will end in May 2026 (Picture: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)
Hollywood stars have been left furious and devastated by the news (Picture: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, in a blunt response, Jimmy Kimmel said: ‘Love you Stephen. F**k you and all your Sheldons CBS.’
In a statement, Paramount co-CEO and CBS president and CEO George Cheeks, CBS Entertainment head Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios president David Stapf claimed the decision was ‘financial’.
‘We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home,’ they said.
‘He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.
‘This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.’
Colbert thanked fans, CBS and his team (Picture: Lloyd Bishop/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Paramount insisted the decision was purely a ‘financial’ move (Picture: CBS)
They praised his ‘cutting-edge comedy’, ‘must-watch monologue’ and high profile interviews, and described the show as ‘a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist’.
They continued: ‘The accomplishments of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert are memorable and significant in performance, quality and stature.
‘With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers.’
CBS’ parent company Paramount Global is looking to close a merger with Skydance in the coming months.
The company recently reached a settlement with US President Donald Trump over a lawsuit filed last year over a 60 Minutes interview with his then-election opponent Kamala Harris.
Colbert criticised the settlement earlier this week, but CBS has denied his comments being a factor in the Late Show ending.