CNN anchor Anderson Cooper made a guest appearance on CBS’s “Late Show” with Stephen Colbert on Monday, supporting Colbert in light of CBS’s recent decision to cancel the show, which is set to end in May 2026. The network stated that the cancellation was strictly a financial decision influenced by the tough landscape of late-night television.
During the episode, several celebrities and fellow hosts including Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Stewart, and John Oliver joined Cooper to rally behind Colbert. It was quite a show of camaraderie, highlighting the impact of CBS’s announcement.
Cooper, who also serves as a correspondent for “60 Minutes,” was featured looking at his phone while sitting next to Bravo host Andy Cohen, who shared a light-hearted moment with Cooper, underscoring their friendship amidst the serious backdrop of the segment.
The atmosphere was jovial, with a musical performance of Colbert’s rendition of “Viva La Vida,” encouraging audiences to join in as a playful nod to the recent cancellation news. There were funny moments, like the cartoon depicted with President Trump reacting comically to being on screen, reflecting a lighthearted take on a serious situation.
Colbert took the opportunity to further critique Paramount’s decision, emphasizing that “The Late Show” has been losing about $40 million annually. His comments came off as both humorous and pointed, showcasing the tensions surrounding the cancellation decision.
The segment integrated humor with critique, leaving viewers with a sense of solidarity for Colbert’s efforts, but also with an uncertainty about the future of late-night programming. Speculations are rife over changes with upcoming mergers and financial settlements involving Paramount Global, signaling shifts that could continue to affect shows like “The Daily Show.”
