The news that the long-running late-night staple has come to an end has sparked a cascade of online tributes from fellow entertainers and collaborators.
CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was canceled after more than a decade on air, sparking an outpouring of reactions across the entertainment industry. The announcement came on July 17, 2025, with Colbert addressing it that night with his characteristic candor. From tributes to critiques, the responses reflect his lasting impact on late-night television.
1. Jimmy Fallon
The fellow late-night host took to his Instagram stories with a message written in white bold letters over a black background. In them, he expressed shock over the decision, calling Colbert a great friend and wishing him the best.
Jimmy Fallon’s Instagram story expressing his opinion on the cancelation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” dated July 18, 2025 | Source: Instagram/jimmyfallon
2. Jimmy Kimmel
Another late-night host added to the chorus of outrage by reposting the show’s Instagram clip in which Colbert explained the cancellation. Kimmel also added some colorful commentary for CBS and said that he loved Colbert.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Instagram story expressing his opinion on the cancelation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” dated July 18, 2025 | Source: Instagram/jimmykimmel
3. Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller took to X with his own thoughts. “Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have. Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best. @colbertlateshow,” he wrote.
4. Jon Batiste
The “FREEDOM” singer, who has been a guest on the late-night show before, commented on the clip featuring Colbert’s remarks about the cancellation. “The greatest to ever do it,” he expressed.
5. Adam Scott
The “Severance” actor also added a comment to the clip, expressing his outrage over the decision with, “Love you Stephen. This is absolute [expletive], and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows [sic].”
6. Rachel Zegler
The “Evita” actress, who had performed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in the past, also added her opinion in the comments section. “i am extremely sad. i adore you, stephen [sic],” she wrote.
7. Katie Couric
The broadcasting legend, and one of the many celebrities who have sat for a conversation with Colbert on the show, added, “I am so upset about this. I need more information. We love you @stephenathome ❤️.”
8. Judd Apatow
The director and comedian only had amazing words to say about the late-night show host. “My admiration and appreciation for you is bottomless. Excited to see what other brilliance you put into the world,” he said.
9. Kristin Chenoweth
One of the original cast members of “Wicked” added two comments. She wrote, “NOOOO!!!” and also expressed confusion with, “💔💔💔😭😭😭😡😡what?”
10. Laura Benanti
In the same comments section, the singer and “No Hard Feelings” actress, who often visited the show with her Melania Trump impression, didn’t have a lot to say, but she echoed Batiste’s words, “The greatest of them all. 💔”
11. Brandon Routh
The “Legends of Tomorrow” actor added, “Thank you for your courage and bravery in giving voice to the injustice so many of us recognize! 🙌🏼 This news, feels unjust. 😕🧐 Thank you also for the light and laughter you, and all at your wonderful production have brought us [sic].”
12. Ziwe
The comedian and writer, who once interned for “The Colbert Report,” didn’t say much. She only left a heart in the comments section of the same post.
While there are many other late-night programs for people to enjoy, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has its own essence. It brought political commentary, satire, and interviews with celebrities together into the spotlight at the Ed Sullivan Theater.
Colbert took over hosting duties after David Letterman on September 8, 2015, also becoming an executive producer and writer. However, this show wasn’t his only credit.
The 61-year-old from Charleston, South Carolina, first entered the scene in the mid-1990s with the sketch series, “Exit 57. ” He then went on to work as a correspondent for “The Daily Show” until 2005.
That year, he founded “The Colbert Report,” which focused on satirical news stories. Additionally, Colbert contributed to “The Dana Carvey Show” and “Saturday Night Live.”
More recently, he also had an animated political satire series called “Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News,” which ran from 2020 to 2023, and was a co-creator for “Tha God’s Honest Truth with Charlamagne Tha God.”