In a move that’s sent shockwaves through late-night TV, CBS has officially announced the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—and no one seems more stunned than fellow host Jimmy Fallon.
Taking to Instagram shortly after the news broke, Fallon, 50, expressed disbelief over the show’s cancellation, calling Colbert “one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it.” Fallon added, “I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30.”
More than just a colleague, Fallon described Colbert as a “true friend,” tracing their relationship back to The Colbert Report days. “Whatever he does next will be just as brilliant,” Fallon assured fans.
Seth Meyers also shared a heartfelt tribute, writing, “For as great a comedian and host he is, Stephen Colbert is an even better person. I’m going to miss having him on TV every night but I’m excited he can no longer use the excuse that he’s ‘too busy to hang out’ with me.”
Colbert, 61, personally broke the news to his audience on the July 17th episode, revealing that CBS will wrap The Late Show in May 2026 after an 11-year run. “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” he stated, confirming that the network has chosen to end the iconic late-night franchise rather than appoint a successor.
The former Daily Show correspondent, who took over from David Letterman in 2015, thanked CBS, his 200-member team, and viewers around the world for making the past decade unforgettable. “We get to do this show for each other every day… and I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing that with you in front of this camera.”
As fans reel from the surprise announcement, one thing is certain: late-night television will never be the same without Stephen Colbert’s signature wit and warmth.
