Jimmy Kimmel angrily condemned CBS’s decision to cancel Stephen Colbert’s *Late Show* in May 2026—a surprising move driven by cost-cutting despite strong ratings—that ends a legendary late-night era and leaves fans and colleagues deeply shocked and saddened.

 

CBS Blindsides Stephen Colbert by Canceling 'The Late Show'

 

In a dramatic turn of events shaking up late-night television, Jimmy Kimmel has fiercely criticized CBS following the announcement that *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* will come to an end in May 2026.

The decision marks the closure of not just Colbert’s celebrated ten-year tenure, but also the end of a decades-long era for CBS’s flagship late-night program—a legacy that stretches back to David Letterman’s groundbreaking run.

CBS made the stunning announcement on July 17, 2025, citing financial restructuring and the changing economics of television as the primary reasons.

This move comes despite *The Late Show* consistently outperforming its competitors, averaging 2.4 million nightly viewers and leading the ratings battle in the 11:30 p.m. slot.

According to insiders, the cancellation was not prompted by creative or audience concerns, but rather by the network’s efforts to cut costs and reposition itself in the age of streaming.

 

CBS Blindsides Stephen Colbert by Canceling 'The Late Show'

 

Colbert, 61, reportedly learned of the decision just hours before taping Thursday’s episode. In a heartfelt message to the studio audience at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, he confirmed the show’s fate.

“Next year will be our last season,” he told the crowd, who responded with groans and disbelief. He made it clear that he was not being replaced by another host; instead, CBS was ending the program entirely.

“This is all just going away,” he said, the emotion evident in his voice.

Despite the shock, Colbert expressed deep gratitude toward his team and viewers. He praised the over 200 staff members, including writers, producers, and the band, many of whom have worked with him since his *Colbert Report* days.

“I am extraordinarily deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here,” he said. With nearly 1,700 episodes behind him, Colbert promised fans that the final season would be one to remember, filled with the same energy, humor, and irreverent joy that defined his run.

 

CBS Blindsides Stephen Colbert by Canceling 'The Late Show'

 

While Colbert took a gracious tone, his friend and fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel did not hold back. Taking to Instagram shortly after the announcement, Kimmel posted a blunt and emotionally charged message: “Love you Stephen.

F–k you and all your Sheldons CBS.” The fiery comment—referencing the network’s sitcom *Young Sheldon*—was widely seen as a jab at CBS’s programming priorities and its treatment of a respected colleague.

Kimmel and Colbert have long enjoyed a warm, genuine friendship that transcended professional rivalry.

The two collaborated closely during the 2023 Writers Guild strike, co-hosting the *Strike Force Five* podcast alongside Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jimmy Fallon. Kimmel has appeared on Colbert’s show multiple times and once tearfully joked, “If you died, I’d cry like a baby.”

Colbert replied, “If I didn’t have a show, I’d come to your funeral.” Their bond, rooted in respect and shared values, made Kimmel’s public defense all the more personal.

 

Writers Strike Leads to Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert Pausing Late Night Shows

 

Other prominent voices chimed in with support. Andy Cohen called it a “sad day” for CBS, praising Colbert as one of the most important voices in television.

The cancellation drew attention from lawmakers as well. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned the network’s motives, pointing out that the announcement came just days after Colbert criticized CBS’s parent company for settling a high-profile lawsuit involving Donald Trump.

Senator Adam Schiff, a guest on the episode where the cancellation was announced, also called for transparency about whether political pressures played a role.

The decision also sparked widespread speculation about the future of late-night television. With audience habits shifting dramatically in the age of on-demand content and social media, the traditional late-night talk show format is increasingly seen as financially unsustainable.

Yet, Colbert’s program remained one of the few outliers still dominating its time slot and shaping political discourse. Critics and fans alike have questioned why CBS would cancel a show that still draws millions, especially when its influence remains significant.

 

Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Return to Late Night

 

Stephen Colbert is not expected to exit public life quietly. While no specific post-*Late Show* plans have been announced, sources close to him say he has multiple creative projects in development.

His reputation as a sharp political satirist and cultural commentator ensures that his voice will continue to be heard—whether on screen, in writing, or through new media.

As Colbert prepares for his final season, many see this not as a farewell, but as a transition.

While CBS may be closing the doors on *The Late Show*, Colbert’s legacy is far from over—and the outpouring of support from colleagues and fans alike only underscores how deeply his work has resonated.

For now, late-night television loses one of its sharpest minds, but the final chapter promises to be every bit as compelling as the ten seasons that preceded it.