Celebrities have expressed disappointment and anger at the controversial decision to end the long-running Late Show, bringing an end to host Stephen Colbert’s award-winning tenure.
The late-night comedy show has been on CBS for 33 years and the news arrived just days after Colbert called out the network’s parent company Paramount for settling a “frivolous” lawsuit with Donald Trump for $16m. Paramount is seeking approval for a $8.4bn merger with Skydance, a company ran by David Ellison, son of close Trump ally Larry Ellison.
Colbert called it a “big fat bribe” earlier this week and later announced to his audience that the show would be ending next year. “Let me tell you, it is a fantastic job,” he said. “I wish someone else was getting it. And it is a job I am looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months.”
The Late Show received an Emmy nomination earlier this week for talk series.
“Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have,” the actor and director Ben Stiller wrote on X. “Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best.”
His Severance colleague Adam Scott also shared his sentiment. “Love you Stephen,” he wrote. “This is absolute bullshit and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows.”
The writer and director Judd Apatow also wrote in response to Colbert’s Instagram post: “My admiration and appreciation for you is bottomless. Excited to see what other brilliance you put into the world.”
Broadcast journalist Katie Couric added: “I am so upset about this. I need more information.”
The West Side Story and Evita actor Rachel Zegler wrote: “i am extremely sad. i adore you, stephen.”
Jon Batiste, the Grammy-winning musician who used to lead Colbert’s band on the show, called him “the greatest to ever do it” on Instagram.
The author Stephen King, known for being politically outspoken online, posted: “Colbert canceled? Please tell me it’s a joke.” Jamie Lee Curtis was asked for her thoughts during a red carpet interview and said “it’s bad” and that “they’re trying to silence people”.
The actor John Cusack shared a clip of Colbert on social media and wrote: “He’s not groveling enough to American fascism – Larry Ellison needs his tax cuts – doesn’t need comedians reminding people they are not cattle.”
Senator Bernie Sanders also expressed similar ire. “CBS’s billionaire owners pay Trump $16 million to settle a bogus lawsuit while trying to sell the network to Skydance,” he wrote. “Stephen Colbert, an extraordinary talent and the most popular late night host, slams the deal. Days later, he’s fired. Do I think this is a coincidence? NO.”
Andy Cohen, the TV personality who hosts late-night show Watch What Happens Live, called it “a sad day” both for late-night television and for CBS. “I’m stunned,” he said to Deadline. “He’s one of three late-night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show.”
Colbert’s late-night rivals also weighed in, sharing their frustration with the decision. In an Instagram story Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at the network’s much-ridiculed comedy shows, writing: “Love you, Stephen. Fuck you and all your Sheldons, CBS.” Jimmy Fallon wrote: “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.” Seth Meyers also added: “For as great a comedian and host he is, [Stephen Colbert] 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.”
Trump has already taken a victory lap on Truth Social, writing: “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.”
