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Prominent liberals and celebrities are expressing profound sadness following the announcement that CBS intends to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in the coming year.
On a recent Thursday, host Stephen Colbert revealed that he had just learned about CBS’s decision to terminate the show by next spring. This news was met with booing from the audience present in the studio, as well as a wave of disapproval from his liberal supporters online. Since assuming the role in 2015, Colbert’s show evolved into a key platform for progressive viewpoints, anti-Republican rhetoric, and supportive interviews with Democratic figures.
Actress Rachel Zegler, known for her role in “Snow White,” voiced her sorrow over the cancellation in a comment on Colbert’s Instagram video. She wrote, “I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen.” This sentiment resonates with many who appreciated the show’s unique contribution to late-night television.
CBS confirmed that the show, which has entertained viewers since 1993, will conclude in May 2026. The network stated that this decision was strictly a financial one in the context of ongoing challenges in the late-night arena. CBS emphasized that the cancellation was unrelated to the show’s content, viewer performance, or other issues faced by its parent company, Paramount.
The cancellation has stirred concerns among viewers and fans alike, particularly in light of the network’s recent legal settlement with former President Donald Trump. This settlement arose from a lawsuit he filed concerning editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, signaling potential underlying political currents at play.
Colbert has been outspoken about Paramount’s settlement with Trump, which he and others criticized as a cowardly acquiescence to political pressure. Many supporters view his cancellation as aligned with this troubling trend.
On the morning show “CBS Mornings,” host Gayle King described the cancellation as a “kick in the stomach,” while her co-host Nate Burleson labeled it a “hard pill to swallow.” These reactions reflect a widespread feeling of disbelief within the media community.
Actor Adam Scott, known for his role in “Severance,” expressed his dismay, stating on social media, “Love you Stephen. This is absolute bulls— and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows.” His comments suggest a commitment from fans to support Colbert through the remainder of the show’s run.
Actor Ben Stiller also shared his disappointment on social media, expressing sympathy for the hardworking staff behind the show. He mentioned, “Sorry to hear that CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have. Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best.” This illustrates the solidarity among industry peers advocating for the late-night show’s legacy.
Longtime journalist Katie Couric weighed in, expressing her sadness and requesting more information on the decision. She commented, “I am so upset about this. We love you, @stephenathome.” Such endorsements highlight the strong connection Colbert has fostered with his audience over the years.
Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta raised skepticism regarding CBS’s claim that the decision was purely financial. He humorously referenced a GIF of Marsha Brady from “The Brady Bunch” to convey his doubts. However, reports from other sources indicated that the show was indeed experiencing significant financial losses.
In a probing post on social media, Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts encouraged public scrutiny regarding the show’s cancellation. She asserted that the show was axed just three days after Colbert criticized CBS’s parent company regarding its $16 million settlement with Trump. Warren’s remarks call attention to the potential political motives behind the network’s choice.
Similarly, Senator Adam Schiff from California, who appeared on the show shortly before the announcement, indicated that if there were indeed political reasons behind CBS’s decision, the public deserved to be informed. His call for transparency echoes a broader concern that political influences may have jeopardized the integrity of late-night comedy.
Jimmy Kimmel, another late-night host, took to Instagram to express his incredulity. He stated, “Love you Stephen. F— you and all your Sheldons CBS,” using humor to both support Colbert and critique the network’s decision. This indicates a growing consensus among late-night hosts regarding the implications of CBS’s actions.
On social media platforms, progressive commentators are voicing their frustrations significantly. Far-left journalist Jemele Hill questioned whether the cancellation was indeed linked to Colbert’s criticisms of the network. This inquiry reflects a shared skepticism about the motivations behind corporate decisions in media.
Ben Collins, a former NBC reporter, expressed confidence that Colbert would rebound from this setback. However, he criticized the network for sacrificing a cultural institution to appease political interests, deeming such actions unacceptable.
In a segment on CNN, media analyst Brian Stelter referred to the announcement as a “total gut punch” for both the staff of the program and Colbert’s substantial fanbase. He acknowledged the network’s financial reasoning while also suggesting a political subtext loomed over the cancellation. With CBS’s desperate attempts for merger approval from the Trump administration’s staff, many analysts are probing the real motivations behind this bold move.
The controversy surrounding Colbert’s cancellation reflects broader issues within the political and media landscapes, raising questions about financial decisions’ impact on creative programming. As both fans and colleagues rally behind Colbert, the fight to maintain the essence of late-night television continues.
