Stephen Colbert, host of CBS‘s The Late Show, has responded to the network’s declaration that his program will conclude in May 2026. While CBS cited “financial” reasons for the decision,attributing the show’s nine-season run as the top-rated late-night program and a “staple of the nation’s zeitgeist,” speculation has arisen that the cancellation may be politically motivated.
Colbert addressed the situation on a recent episode, stating that for the remaining ten months, “the gloves are off.” He declared his intention to “speak unvarnished truth to power” and express his candid opinions about Donald Trump, whom he believes lacks the necessary skills for the presidency and is “just not a good fit.”
Donald Trump reacted to the news on Truth Social, predicting that Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, would be next.Colbert, in turn, playfully dismissed this notion, asserting his own status as the “martyr” and claiming sole occupancy of the spotlight, humorously remarking, “the view is fantastic from up here.”
In a show of solidarity, fellow late-night hosts jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, and John Oliver appeared on The Late Show to support Colbert during the same episode.
