Hey friends! So, have you heard the news? CBS has decided to pull the plug on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and honestly, it’s all anyone seems to be talking about! 🤯 Colbert shared with his audience that the last episode will air on July 17, 2026, and he said something that really caught my attention: “It’s not just the end of our show, but the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.” Sounds dramatic, right? But the real tea is what’s happening behind the scenes. ☕️
The Financial Narrative Behind the Cancellation
According to CBS, this decision is strictly a financial one, made in a challenging late-night landscape. But let’s be real for a second—how often do we buy that narrative? 🤔 Late-night legend David Letterman isn’t buying it either. He suggests that Colbert’s vocal critiques of former President Trump might have played a role. With Paramount’s planned merger with Skydance, the timing feels a bit too coincidental, right? I mean, who else thinks this is giving me ‘corporate maneuvering’ vibes? 💼
Letterman didn’t hold back, calling the situation “gutless” and labeling those behind the decision as “bottom feeders.” Ouch! He’s right though; there’s a lot of speculation about what’s really at play here. CBS claims they’re losing $40 million a year on Colbert’s show, but is that really true? Industry insiders are skeptical, pointing out that CBS hasn’t been transparent about these numbers. Where else have they spent that kind of cash without blinking? 🧐
Reactions from the Late-Night Community
The backlash has been palpable, with many in the industry rallying around Colbert. For instance, Jimmy Kimmel took to social media to express his outrage, saying, “Fuck you and all your Sheldons CBS.” That’s some serious shade! 🌧️ Kimmel knows he’s in a similar boat, with his contract ending in 2026. Is he trying to secure his position while also standing up for a fellow late-night host?
On a lighter note, Kimmel’s billboard campaign is catching eyes too! It reads, “I’m voting for Stephen,” alongside a nod to his Emmy nomination. It’s strategically placed near key entertainment spots, showing that Kimmel isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. He’s actively trying to create buzz for Colbert before the Emmy voting closes. How cool is that? 💖
What’s Next for Late-Night Television?
So, what does this mean for late-night TV? With Colbert’s show ending, there’s a lot of speculation about who might be next. Some folks have even mentioned Jimmy Fallon as a potential target. It’s like a game of musical chairs, and we’re all just waiting to see who gets left standing. 🎶
As fans, we need to think about what we want from our late-night shows. Are we okay with corporate decisions overshadowing the creativity and voices of the hosts we love? It’s definitely a conversation worth having, right? What are your thoughts on the future of late-night television now that Colbert is on his way out? Let’s chat about it! 💬
