Jimmy Kimmel Blasts CBS and Salutes Colbert After Shocking Cancellation of ‘The Late Show’—Is This a Political Move or a Business Decision?

In a stunning and unprecedented move, CBS announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s long-running late-night talk show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, with plans to retire the brand entirely in May 2026. The decision has already set the entertainment world on fire, with reactions from fans, fellow late-night hosts, and even political figures exploding across social media. Among those voicing their strong opinions was Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night talk show host at ABC, who didn’t mince words in expressing his thoughts on the cancellation.

On Instagram, Kimmel shared a clip of Colbert’s emotional on-air announcement about the show’s ending, writing in his caption: “Love you Stephen, fk you and all your Sheldons CBS.”** The blunt, fiery post was a clear sign of Kimmel’s support for his fellow comedian and a pointed critique of CBS for the decision. The internet was immediately abuzz with reactions, and what initially seemed like a business move has now spiraled into a political firestorm.

The Official Reason: A Business Decision?

CBS, in a statement following the announcement, justified its decision by calling it a “purely financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late-night television.” They emphasized that the show’s cancellation was not related to its performance, content, or any other issues within the company. Instead, they claimed that the shifting dynamics of late-night programming, exacerbated by the rise of digital media, made it financially unviable to continue The Late Show in its current form.

However, the timing of Colbert’s cancellation has raised more than a few eyebrows, and critics are already calling out CBS for its seemingly convenient justification. The company’s announcement comes just days after Colbert publicly slammed CBS’s parent company Paramount for settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump over a controversial interview. The $16 million settlement with Trump, which Colbert had mocked in his monologue, was seen by many as a capitulation to the former president. Was the cancellation of Colbert’s show a direct response to his criticism of CBS’s handling of the situation?

The Fallout: Is This Political or Just Business?

Stephen Colbert has been one of the most vocal critics of Trump since taking over The Late Show in 2015. His monologues frequently skewered the former president, his policies, and his actions, often using comedy to reflect the growing dissatisfaction many Americans felt toward Trump’s administration. Colbert’s biting political humor had made his show a favorite among liberal viewers, but also drew the ire of Trump’s supporters. Colbert’s criticism reached a peak when he publicly condemned Paramount’s settlement with Trump, calling it a dangerous move that undermined journalistic integrity.

Several high-profile figures have speculated that Colbert’s cancellation is not just a financial decision but a politically motivated one. Senator Elizabeth Warren was quick to react, calling for answers on social media: “CBS canceled Colbert’s show just three days after Colbert called out CBS owner Paramount for its $16 settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery. America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.”

The backlash against the cancellation has been swift. Late-night television producer Mike Schur, known for Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, blasted CBS for what he called a “fascist” move. On Bluesky, Schur wrote, “When media companies cancel late night shows to appease fascist presidents, America fking ends.”** He continued, “If you think for one second that this decision has nothing to do with Trump, don’t worry, he will brag about it within the next 24 hours and disabuse you of that notion.”

Reactions: Hollywood Divided

The entertainment world is split over the cancellation. Many of Colbert’s fellow comedians and celebrities have expressed their support, while others have condemned the move. Andy Richter, who served as Conan O’Brien’s longtime sidekick, tweeted, “Stephen Colbert is a profoundly good and deeply talented man with a great staff and an excellent show. They all deserve better.”

On the other hand, conservative voices have defended CBS’s actions, claiming that Colbert’s show had grown stale and no longer served its original purpose of providing balanced late-night entertainment. One conservative media personality remarked, “Colbert’s show became a platform for liberal propaganda. It’s about time CBS did something about it.”

Despite the division, one thing is clear: the cancellation of The Late Show has turned into one of the most polarizing events in recent media history. Whether it was a financial necessity or a political maneuver, the controversy surrounding Colbert’s exit has sparked debates about the future of late-night television and the role of media companies in shaping political discourse.

What’s Next for Late-Night Television?

With The Late Show officially canceled, the future of late-night television seems uncertain. Networks are now forced to navigate a rapidly shifting media landscape, where traditional broadcast models are losing ground to streaming services and digital platforms. But is this the beginning of the end for late-night TV as we know it?

Many are wondering whether other late-night hosts, like Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon, will face similar scrutiny from their networks. Could this be a move to refresh the genre, or is it a sign of the growing divide between entertainment and politics?

As Kimmel himself has pointed out, Colbert’s firing could have been an attempt to stifle a voice critical of the political establishment. If this is the case, the ramifications could be far-reaching—not just for Colbert, but for anyone working in media who dares to take a political stand. Will the public continue to accept late-night comedy as a place for free speech, or will it devolve into a medium that must appease the powers that be?

The Future of Comedy and Political Discourse

This moment will likely be remembered as a turning point for the intersection of politics and entertainment. As the political landscape continues to shape the media we consume, the question becomes: can satire and comedy survive without becoming beholden to corporate interests and political powers?

For now, the cancellation of The Late Show leaves Colbert fans questioning the future of late-night entertainment. Can comedy remain unscathed by the tides of politics, or will the industry continue to bow to corporate interests?

The next few months will be crucial in determining the future of late-night television—and whether the entertainment industry can maintain its ability to entertain while also challenging the status quo. Stay tuned—this story is far from over, and the implications for both media and politics will continue to unfold.