Stephen Colbert’s Late Show is to end next year after 33 years on CBS, with the host breaking the news to his audience just days after criticising the network’s parent company, Paramount, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump. Paramount is seeking regulatory approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance, a firm run by David Ellison, son of close Trump ally Larry Ellison. Colbert described the settlement as a “big fat bribe”.
Celebrities have reacted with dismay and anger. Ben Stiller called it “one of the best shows they have”, while his Severance co-star Adam Scott called the decision “absolute bullshit”. Judd Apatow expressed “bottomless” admiration for Colbert, and broadcast journalist Katie Couric said she was “so upset”. West Side Story actor Rachel Zegler wrote: “i am extremely sad.”
Political figures also weighed in. Senator Bernie Sanders linked the cancellation to the merger, writing: “CBS’s billionaire owners pay Trump $16 million… days later, he’s fired. Do I think this is a coincidence? NO.” John Cusack accused the network of trying to silence dissent, while Jamie Lee Curtis said “it’s bad” and that “they’re trying to silence people”. Author Stephen King asked, “Please tell me it’s a joke.”
Fellow late-night hosts rallied around Colbert. Jimmy Kimmel mocked CBS’s other shows, Jimmy Fallon called Colbert “one of the sharpest, funniest hosts”, and Seth Meyers praised him as “an even better person”. Andy Cohen said it was “a sad day for late-night television”. Donald Trump, however, celebrated on Truth Social, gloating that Colbert was “fired” and predicting Jimmy Kimmel would be next.
