The choice to cancel The Late Present With Stephen Colbert is sending shockwaves by Hollywood — and late-night veterans like Jimmy Kimmel and Andy Cohen aren’t holding again their emotions.
In the course of the Thursday, July 17 taping of The Late Present, Stephen Colbert, 61, confirmed to his viewers that CBS plans to close down the long-running late-night staple on the finish of its 2025–2026 season.
“Earlier than we begin the present I wish to let you recognize one thing that I discovered simply final night time. Subsequent yr can be our final season, the community [CBS] can be ending The Late Present in Could,” Colbert instructed the shocked viewers, who booed in response.
“I share your emotions. It’s not simply the tip of our present but it surely’s the tip of The Late Present on CBS. I’m not being changed. That is all simply going away,” he added. “I do wish to say that the oldsters at CBS have been nice companions … And I’m grateful to the viewers, you, who’ve joined us each night time, in right here, on the market, and all all over the world.”
Following Colbert’s emotional on-air announcement, Jimmy Kimmel Stay! host Jimmy Kimmel, 57, confirmed his help — and frustration — in a pointed Instagram Story. Reposting a clip of Colbert’s remarks, he captioned it: “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all of your Sheldons CBS.”
Bravo’s Andy Cohen additionally voiced his disbelief whereas talking to Deadline on the Las Culturistas Tradition Awards in Los Angeles.
“I feel it’s a tragic day for late-night tv,” Cohen, 57, stated. “I feel it’s a tragic day for CBS. I feel Stephen Colbert is a singular expertise. He’s going to have an unimaginable subsequent chapter.”
“I can’t consider CBS is popping off the lights at 11:30 after the native information. I’m shocked. He’s one in every of three late-night exhibits deemed worthy sufficient for an Emmy nomination. He produces an excellent present,” Cohen continued. “It’s unhappy for CBS, actually.”
In the meantime, CBS executives — together with President and CEO George Cheeks, CBS Leisure President Amy Reisenbach, and CBS Studios President David Staph — launched a joint assertion explaining their reasoning behind the choice.
“The Late Present With Stephen Colbert will finish its historic run in Could 2026 on the finish of the published season. We think about Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and can retire The Late Present franchise at the moment,” the community stated, citing funds — not scores or efficiency — as the first issue. “We’re proud that Stephen referred to as CBS residence. He and the published can be remembered within the pantheon of greats that graced late night time tv.”
The community additionally praised Colbert’s inventive impression: “Stephen has taken CBS late night time by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in leisure, politics, information and newsmakers throughout all areas,” the assertion learn. “The present has been #1 in late night time for 9 straight seasons.”
