“The Silence After Midnight: What Really Ended Late Night’s Reign?”
Hollywood Reacts as ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Faces Final Curtain
On July 17, 2025, CBS sent shockwaves through the entertainment world when it announced plans to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026. The decision, officially attributed to financial strain, marks the end of an era for one of late-night television’s most recognizable voices.
That same evening, Colbert took to the air and addressed the announcement with his trademark wit and sincerity. Promising one last season, he thanked his loyal staff and audience for their dedication, vowing to “make the final year unforgettable.”
Support Pours In From Across the Industry
Following the announcement, celebrities and fellow talk show hosts rallied behind Colbert. Jimmy Fallon shared his disbelief, calling the host “one of the sharpest minds in comedy.” Jimmy Kimmel, more direct in his frustration, issued a strong rebuke aimed squarely at CBS across multiple social media platforms.
Seth Meyers saluted Colbert’s integrity both on and off screen, while John Oliver praised his influence, saying he looked forward to seeing what Colbert would bring during his remaining months.
Actors and creators like Ben Stiller, Rachel Zegler, Judd Apatow, Adam Scott, and Andy Cohen also joined in, sharing emotional tributes and memories. Jon Batiste, the show’s former bandleader, called Colbert’s run “a cultural gift.”
Behind the Decision: Money or Politics?
Officially, CBS blamed the cancellation on unsustainable operating costs and shrinking ad revenues. Insiders cited losses exceeding $40 million annually, compounded by the growing dominance of streaming services and a decline in traditional television audiences.
But many observers believe there’s more at play.
Stephen Colbert had recently become more vocal in his criticism of CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global—particularly after it agreed to a $16 million legal settlement with former President Donald Trump. Some speculate this growing tension may have played a role in the network’s decision to cut ties.
Political figures such as Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, along with Representative Adam Schiff, questioned whether Paramount’s desire for favorable treatment during a pending merger might have influenced the timing and nature of Colbert’s departure.
Even Fox News anchor Howard Kurtz weighed in, accusing CBS of caving to Trump’s allies in order to smooth regulatory pathways.
Still, not everyone buys the theory. Veteran commentator Keith Olbermann dismissed the notion of political censorship, arguing that if politics were truly the motive, CBS wouldn’t have allowed Colbert another full season on the air.
Trump Reacts With Glee—and a Warning
On his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump didn’t hesitate to celebrate the announcement. Referring to Colbert as “fired,” the former president taunted the host and hinted that others—like Jimmy Kimmel—could soon face the same fate. He also took the opportunity to mock Jimmy Fallon, continuing a pattern of attacking prominent media figures.
A Changing Landscape for Late-Night TV
With The Late Show coming to an end, CBS becomes the first of the major networks to officially pull out of the late-night talk show space—an arena once considered a television staple. The move reflects broader shifts across the entertainment industry, where younger audiences are increasingly turning to short-form video and streaming content for humor and political commentary.
Fewer viewers, less advertising, and rising production costs have made traditional late-night formats harder to sustain. Colbert’s show, while still a cultural force, couldn’t escape the economic realities facing all legacy programming.
Legacy and Uncertain Future
While the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert may appear, on the surface, to be a financial decision, many believe it’s a symptom of something deeper—an intersection of economics, corporate strategy, and the enduring influence of politics in American media.
Still, Colbert’s legacy remains firmly intact. Over the years, he brought intellect, humor, and genuine compassion to a format often saturated with sound bites and surface-level banter. His impact on political satire, cultural conversation, and the national mood during turbulent times will not be forgotten soon.
As his final season begins, viewers can expect more of the sharp commentary and heartfelt moments that made The Late Show a staple for nearly a decade.