Days before CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” Jon Stewart had voiced his concern over the future of his “late night” future. Coincidentally, the comments dropped just as CBS revealed Colbert’s beloved show was ending in May 2026, citing âpurely financial reasons.â The decision has sparked widespread shock, speculation, and backlash from fans. This especially considering the showâs decades-long legacy and continued success throughout the years.
âWe consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise in May of 2026. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home,â CBS said in a statement. âHe and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television.â
Despite the shocking announcement, the network did insist the cancellation had ânothing to do with performance, content, or other matters at Paramount.â Still, many remain skeptical, especially after Colbert previously spoke about Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump.
The iconic late-night show first premiered in 1993 with legendary host David Letterman at the helm. Colbert took over in 2015, breathing new life into the franchise with his political wit, unapologetic humor, and thoughtful interviews. Now, the curtain will sadly fall for good in 2026.
Jon Stewart Voices Concern Over Comedy Central’s Future
In the aftermath, fans are now turning their attention to another staple of late-night. Several have started to question Stewart, specifically after he spoke about his fears of the future. During a recent podcast episode of âThe Weekly Showâ on Thursday, July 17, Stewart expressed uncertainty about the future of his own program on “Comedy Central.” His concern followed the announcement of CBSâ newly announced $8 billion merger with Skydance Media.
âBoy, that’s a good question. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard anything from them. They haven’t called me and said like, âDonât get too comfortable in that office, Stewart!ââ he said about his fate.
Stewart, who originally hosted âThe Daily Showâ from 1999 to 2015, returned in 2024 as a part-time anchor. His latest comments suggest he suspects bigger changes may be brewing at the network level.
âBut let me tell you something: Iâve been kicked out of shittier establishments than that,â Stewart quipped. âWeâll land on our feet.â
Still, heâs cautiously optimistic, pointing out that âThe Daily Showâ still remains one of Comedy Centralâs most-watched shows alongside âSouth Park.â
âI think weâre the only sort of life that exists on a current basis other than âSouth Park.â But itâs the only thing on there,â he said. âIâd like to think we bring enough value to the property. If theyâre looking at it as purely a real estate transaction, I think we bring a lot of value… But that may not be their consideration. They may sell the whole fâing place for parts. I just donât know. Weâll deal with it when we do.â
Other Late-Night Hosts Rally Around Colbert
Stewartâs remarks come as âThe Daily Showâ just received a 2025 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Talk Series this week, which is the first in nearly a decade.
Jon Stewart isnât the only late-night personality speaking out. Jimmy Fallon took to Instagram Stories to express his dismay. âIâm just as shocked as everyone,â the âTonight Showâ host wrote. âStephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought Iâd ride this out with him for years to come.â
Jimmy Kimmel also didnât hold back. In his own Instagram story, the host blasted CBS, writing, âLove you, Stephen. F**k you and all your Seldons, CBS.â
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