CBS’s decision to axe 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' has sparked a fiery reaction from Jimmy Kimmel, who took to social media to blast the network.
Breitbart reported that the move, announced Thursday, marks the end of an era for late-night television, as Colbert’s sharp-tongued show will wrap up in May 2026. Kimmel’s outrage reflects a broader tension in an industry grappling with shifting viewer priorities.
CBS confirmed that *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* will not return for another season, citing financial reasons for the cancellation.
Kimmel, a longtime friend and fellow late-night host, didn’t hold back, posting on social media to defend Colbert and slam CBS. His loyalty is understandable, but the network’s choice signals a pragmatic pivot in a changing media landscape.
“Love you Stephen. Fuck you and all your Sheldons CBS,” Kimmel wrote, aiming a crude jab at the network’s lineup. The outburst, while colorful, sidesteps the reality that late-night shows are bleeding viewers to streaming platforms and social media. Kimmel’s sentiment feels more like nostalgia than a serious critique of CBS’s business sense.
The cancellation stems from CBS’s need to tighten its belt, with executives framing it as a purely financial decision.
'The Late Show,' known for its biting commentary against the Republican Party, has struggled to retain younger audiences who prefer TikTok over traditional TV. Breitbart News noted this shift, highlighting how new media is reshaping entertainment.
Colbert, at 61, has been a mainstay in late-night, but his show’s end reflects broader industry trends. CBS’s move isn’t personal—it’s about dollars and cents in an era where streaming giants dominate. Still, the decision stings for fans who’ve tuned in for Colbert’s reliably left-leaning takes.
The show’s critical stance on Republicans made it a lightning rod for conservative ire, yet it thrived on controversy. Its unapologetic tone, while divisive, carved out a loyal audience. But loyalty doesn’t always translate to ratings in a fractured media market.
Kimmel’s social media tirade shows solidarity but misses the bigger picture. CBS isn’t canceling Colbert because of his politics—it’s about profitability in a cutthroat industry. His “Sheldons” dig might feel clever, but it’s a weak shot at a network navigating tough choices.
Meanwhile, CBS executives praised Colbert, calling him a member of the “pantheon of greats” in their cancellation announcement. The flattery rings hollow when paired with the show’s end, but it acknowledges Colbert’s impact. The network’s trying to soften the blow, even if it’s cold comfort.
Colbert himself hasn’t been silent, recently criticizing CBS over a $16 million settlement tied to the Skydance merger. He called it a “big, fat bribe” to President Donald Trump, a jab that likely didn’t endear him to network brass. His outspokenness, while bold, might’ve added fuel to CBS’s financial calculus.
“I don’t know if anything — anything — will repair my trust in this company,” Colbert said about the settlement. His frustration is palpable, but it’s hard to see how antagonizing CBS helps his case. The comment underscores a growing rift between the host and the network.
“Just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help,” Colbert quipped, doubling down on his critique. The sarcasm is vintage Colbert, but it’s a risky move when your show’s on the chopping block. Wit doesn’t pay the bills when ratings falter.
The settlement with Trump, tied to the Skydance merger, adds a layer of intrigue to the cancellation. While CBS insists the decision was financial, Colbert’s public jab at the deal raises questions about internal tensions. Still, there’s no evidence the settlement directly led to the show’s end.
The end of *The Late Show* in May 2026 marks a turning point for late-night television. Younger viewers, as Breitbart News observed, are ditching network TV for YouTube and podcasts. CBS’s decision reflects a broader industry reckoning, not a vendetta against Colbert’s politics.
Colbert’s show, with its anti-Republican bent, thrived on polarizing humor, but that edge may have limited its appeal. In a polarized climate, alienating half the audience isn’t a winning strategy. CBS seems to be betting on broader, less divisive content to stay afloat.
Kimmel’s loyalty to Colbert is admirable, but his outburst won’t change the math. Late-night TV is evolving, and networks like CBS are adapting to survive. As *The Late Show* fades, it’s a reminder that even the sharpest voices must bend to the market’s will.
