Notable liberals and celebrities are expressing disappointment over CBS’s decision to cancel the late show with Stephen Colbert next year. Colbert announced the news on Thursday, revealing that he learned the show would be ending in the spring.
The cancellation announcement was met with boos from the studio audience and frustration from liberal supporters online. Since taking over the show in 2015, Colbert has made it a platform for progressive views, often engaging in anti-Republican topics and featuring friendly interviews with Democratic figures.
Actress Rachel Zegler, known for her role in Snow White, commented on an Instagram video, saying, “I’m very sad. I adore you, Stephen,” in response to the news.
The late-night lineup for the initial part of 2025 will predominantly feature guests aligned with left-leaning perspectives.
According to CBS, the show, which has been on the air since 1993, will conclude in May 2026. The network stated that this decision was driven by financial considerations facing the challenging landscape of late-night television, and it was not due to issues related to the show’s performance or content.
This cancellation follows a recent settlement involving President Donald Trump, which stemmed from a lawsuit that CBS filed over “election interventions” featured in an interview with his 2024 opponent, President Kamala Harris. Colbert was noted as one of the significant voices in the context of these settlements, characterized by some as a capitulation.
On CBS Morning, host Gale King described the news as a “stomach kick,” while Nate Burleson labeled it a “difficult pill to swallow.” Actor Adam Scott expressed dismay by saying, “Love You Stephen. This is absolute bulls—, and I’m looking forward to the next ten months of the show.”
Ben Stiller also voiced his sadness on X, remarking, “I’m sorry to hear that CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have.”
Among the responses, CBS staff have reportedly reacted strongly against the network’s reconciliation with Trump, considering it a betrayal of journalistic integrity.
Journalist Katie Couric expressed her anger, saying, “I’m so mad at this. I need more information. We love you.” Former CNN reporter Jim Acosta raised doubts about the financial explanation for the cancellation, referencing a popular GIF to illustrate his skepticism. However, Brian Stelter later reported that sources within CBS indicated the show was “bleeding red ink.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren suggested on X that there ought to be an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the show’s cancellation, particularly given that it came just days after Colbert publicly addressed CBS’s settlement over Trump.
Senator Adam Schiff, who appeared on Colbert’s show the night it was canceled, said, “If Paramount and CBS ended the late show for political reasons, the public deserves better.” Fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel humorously posted his displeasure, saying, “Love You Stephen. F— You and All Your Sheldon CBS.”
Other commentators have noted that the cancellation reflects poorly on CBS’s brand, with claims that it compromises a program that is integral and irreplaceable. Journalist Jemele Hill speculated on the potential political motivations behind the cancellation, while Ben Collins posited that Colbert would ultimately be fine, noting the absurdity of the television landscape’s pressure.
In a CNN segment addressing the situation, Stelter acknowledged the financial reasoning cited by CBS but remained critical, suggesting political factors could be at play in the cancellation.
