Stephen Colbert‘s fellow late-night hosts are showing their support following the news that CBS has decided to cancel The Late Show after more than 30 years. The final broadcast will air in May 2026.

Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was the first to comment on the shocking development, reposting a clip of Colbert’s announcement to his Instagram story with the caption “Love you Stephen. F–k you and all your Sheldons CBS.”

Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, chimed in with words of support the next morning. “I’m just as shocked as everyone,” he wrote in an Instagram story. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years, going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”

Seth Meyers, host of NBC’s Late Night, also offered his support on social media, writing: “For as great a comedian and host he is, @StephenAtHome is an even better person. I’m going to miss having him on TV every night but l’m excited he can no longer use the excuse that he’s ‘too busy to hang out’ with me.”

John Oliver, host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, was asked about Colbert’s ouster on Saturday, during an appearance at a Minor League Baseball game: “I love Stephen, I love his staff. I love that show. It’s incredibly sad,” he said. “I am partly excited to see what they’re going to do for the next 10 months. It’s terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy. Late-night shows mean a lot to me, not just because I work in them, but because even growing up in England, I would watch Letterman’s show, which of course was Stephen’s show, and think about what a glamorous world that was, so to have gotten to be on Letterman’s show and Stephen’s show has been always one of the most fun things, so it’s very, very, very sad news. I look forward to seeing what he’s going to do next because that man will not stop.”

Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live!, weighed in during a red carpet interview with our sister site Deadline. “I think it’s a sad day for late-night television,” he said. “I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent.”

And this isn’t merely the end of Colbert’s tenure as the host of The Late Show — it’s the end of the franchise overall, which began in 1993 with David Letterman as host. Colbert broke the news to his distraught audience at Thursday’s taping, with the announcement being met by loud boos from the crowd. “Yeah, I share your feelings,” he admitted candidly.

In a statement, CBS said, “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.”

It’s worth mentioning that Paramount, CBS’ parent company, just paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit that President Donald Trump filed over a 60 Minutes interview with Trump’s opponent Kamala Harris, which he accused 60 Minutes of deceptively editing.

In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the world of late-night television, CBS has announced it will cancel “The Late Show”—the iconic franchise that has defined American late-night for over three decades. With Stephen Colbert at the helm since 2015, the show has been a nightly staple for millions, blending sharp political satire, heart, and humor. Now, with the final broadcast set for May 2026, the curtain is falling not just on Colbert’s tenure, but on a chapter of TV history.

A Heartfelt Farewell from Colbert – and an Outpouring of Support

The news broke during a taping of “The Late Show,” where Colbert, visibly emotional, shared the announcement with his live audience. The reaction was immediate and visceral: loud boos echoed through the Ed Sullivan Theater, and Colbert, ever candid, admitted, “Yeah, I share your feelings.”

But Colbert wasn’t alone in his heartbreak. Across the late-night landscape, hosts and comedians rallied to his side, expressing both shock and deep appreciation for his legacy.

Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, was the first to respond, reposting a clip of Colbert’s announcement to his Instagram story with the raw caption: “Love you Stephen. F–k you and all your Sheldons CBS.” The message—half-joking, half-genuine—captured the anger and disbelief many in the industry are feeling.

NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, a longtime friend and rival, echoed the sentiment in his own Instagram story: “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years, going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”

Seth Meyers, host of “Late Night” on NBC, offered his own heartfelt tribute: “For as great a comedian and host he is, @StephenAtHome is an even better person. I’m going to miss having him on TV every night but I’m excited he can no longer use the excuse that he’s ‘too busy to hang out’ with me.”

John Oliver, whose “Last Week Tonight” on HBO owes much to the late-night tradition, was asked about Colbert’s departure during a Minor League Baseball appearance: “I love Stephen, I love his staff. I love that show. It’s incredibly sad. I am partly excited to see what they’re going to do for the next 10 months. It’s terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy. Late-night shows mean a lot to me, not just because I work in them, but because even growing up in England, I would watch Letterman’s show, which of course was Stephen’s show, and think about what a glamorous world that was, so to have gotten to be on Letterman’s show and Stephen’s show has been always one of the most fun things, so it’s very, very, very sad news. I look forward to seeing what he’s going to do next because that man will not stop.”

Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live!”, weighed in during a red carpet interview: “I think it’s a sad day for late-night television. I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent.”

The End of a Franchise – and the End of an Era

This isn’t just the end of Stephen Colbert’s run—it’s the end of “The Late Show” itself, a franchise that began in 1993 with the legendary David Letterman. For over 30 years, “The Late Show” has been a cultural touchstone, a launchpad for comedians, and a place where the day’s news was dissected with wit and wisdom. Colbert, who took over from Letterman in 2015, brought his signature blend of political satire and genuine warmth, winning over a new generation of viewers.

The cancellation announcement has left fans reeling. Social media has exploded with tributes, memes, and calls for CBS to reconsider. For many, “The Late Show” was more than just a TV program—it was a nightly ritual, a comfort in turbulent times, and a beacon of intelligent comedy.