The entertainment world is reacting in shock to CBS canceling its late night talk show “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
After Colbert announced the news on his show late Thursday, July 17, Hollywood expressed confusion around the move and support for Colbert, who will be leaving his post after more than a decade at “The Late Show” in 2026.
Jimmy Kimmel, a longtime friend of Colbert, reshared the comedian’s announcement on his Instagram stories, and the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” host didn’t hold back in his reaction.
“Love you Stephen,” Kimmel wrote, going on to seemingly mock the network for favoring safe sitcoms with a choice expletive. “(Forget) you and all your Sheldons CBS.”
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Actor and producer Ben Stiller, a regular guest on Colbert’s show, tweeted: “Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have. Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best.”
And in the comments of Colbert’s announcement on Instagram, stars including Adam Scott, Katie Couric and Jon Batiste shared support.
“Love you Stephen,” replied Scott. “I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows.”
Couric, a former “CBS Evening News” anchor, inquired for more details. “I am so upset about this. I need more information. We love you.”
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In a statement from Paramount Global, CBS’ parent company, the company called the move “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.”
Paramount Global agreed on July 1 to a controversial $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a defamation lawsuit tied to a “60 Minutes” interview with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
The settlement was widely criticized as a financial concession to facilitate the studio’s pending sale to Skydance Media, which requires regulatory approval from the Trump administration.
Another regular “Late Show” guest, Batiste, shared kind words: “The greatest to ever do it.” As did Judd Apatow. “My admiration and appreciation for you is bottomless,” the director wrote. “Excited to see what other brilliance you put into the world.”
Contributing: Bryan Alexander
