On August 22, 2025, Radar Online reported that Stephen Colbert, the 61-year-old host of The Late Show, is planning revenge against CBS following the network’s decision to cancel his show in May 2026 due to declining viewership and financial challenges. The comedian’s response has sparked industry buzz, with peers like Jimmy Kimmel, David Letterman, and Jimmy Fallon offering support.
Colbert announced the cancellation on his July 21 show, joking, “This is worse than fascism. This is ‘stache-ism,’” referencing his shaved moustache, per Radar Online. An insider revealed Colbert’s frustration, stating, “He’s furious because he’s a money-hungry guy, and his ego is badly hurt.” Despite the show’s ratings surpassing competitors, CBS cited financial pressures, with Colbert reportedly losing millions in potential earnings.
Colbert’s peers, including Kimmel, Letterman, and Fallon, have rallied behind him, condemning CBS’s decision. The insider noted, “Colbert’s going to be calling out those who fired him and the network as a whole.” The Late Show, averaging 2.8 million viewers in 2024 per Nielsen, outperformed rivals but faced budget cuts amid CBS’s broader cost-saving measures, including a 15% staff reduction.
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The comedian, who has hosted since 2015, reportedly aims to continue working with CBS in some capacity while planning a response to the cancellation. Sources suggest he may leverage his platform, including his 1.2 million X followers, to address the network’s decision, potentially through satirical commentary or new projects. His 2023 book, Does This Taste Funny?, hints at his creative resilience.
The cancellation reflects broader challenges in late-night television, with declining viewership across networks due to streaming competition. Colbert’s planned retaliation could influence CBS’s programming strategy, while his industry support underscores his enduring influence as a comedian and cultural commentator.
