13 Stars Speak Out After Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show Is Canceled – Kimmel, Couric, Stiller & the Whole Cast Are Shocked!

In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the entertainment world, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after nearly a decade on air, leaving fans, industry insiders, and a roster of high-profile celebrities reeling. The news, which broke on July 24, 2025, sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with 13 prominent stars, including Jimmy Kimmel, Katie Couric, Ben Stiller, and the show’s entire cast, publicly expressing their disbelief and heartbreak. After taking over from David Letterman in 2015, Stephen Colbert transformed The Late Show into a cultural juggernaut, blending sharp political satire with his signature charm. The abrupt end to the program, which had become a late-night staple, has sparked intense speculation about the reasons behind the decision and what lies ahead for Colbert and his team. As fans flood social media with reactions, the biggest surprise of all is rumored to be revealed soon, leaving everyone on edge.

Colbert’s tenure on The Late Show was marked by his ability to navigate turbulent times, from polarizing elections to global crises, all while maintaining a loyal audience. His incisive commentary, heartfelt interviews, and innovative segments like “Meanwhile” made the show a must-watch for millions. Yet, despite its consistent ratings success, whispers of behind-the-scenes challenges had circulated for months. Sources close to CBS cite a combination of factors: rising production costs, shifts in network priorities toward streaming, and a broader decline in traditional late-night viewership as audiences turn to digital platforms. While no official statement from Colbert himself has been released, the outpouring of support from peers underscores the profound impact of his work.

Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was among the first to react, calling the cancellation “a gut punch to late-night TV.” In a post on X, he wrote, “Stephen’s voice is one of a kind. This isn’t just a loss for CBS—it’s a loss for all of us who rely on his wit to make sense of the world.” Katie Couric, a longtime friend and frequent guest, echoed Kimmel’s sentiments, praising Colbert’s ability to “cut through the noise with humor and heart.” She added, “I’m in shock. Stephen’s show was a beacon of truth and laughter. This decision feels shortsighted.” Ben Stiller, who appeared on The Late Show multiple times, expressed his dismay, tweeting, “Nobody does it like Stephen. This is unreal. #SaveTheLateShow.” The show’s cast and crew, including bandleader Jon Batiste (who left in 2022 but remained a vocal supporter), released a joint statement expressing gratitude to fans and hinting at “exciting new chapters” to come.

The cancellation comes at a time when late-night television is undergoing a seismic shift. With cord-cutting on the rise and platforms like YouTube and TikTok dominating younger audiences, networks are rethinking their strategies. Competitors like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers have also faced pressure to adapt, but Colbert’s exit feels particularly jarring given his cultural influence. His ability to pivot from the satirical “Stephen Colbert” persona of The Colbert Report to a more authentic, versatile host made him a unique figure in the industry. Fans point to iconic moments—like his emotional monologue after the 2016 election or his pandemic-era broadcasts from home—as evidence of his resilience and relatability.

Social media has erupted with reactions, with #SaveTheLateShow trending globally. Fans have launched petitions, and some are calling for a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu to pick up the show. One X user wrote, “Colbert’s cancellation is proof TV execs don’t get it. He’s not just a host—he’s a cultural force.” Others speculate that the “biggest surprise” teased in the announcement could involve Colbert’s next move. Rumors swirl of a potential streaming deal, a new comedy special, or even a pivot to a different medium, such as podcasting or film production. Colbert’s history of innovation—seen in projects like Our Cartoon President—suggests he’s unlikely to fade quietly from the spotlight.

For the cast and crew, the news is deeply personal. Many have worked with Colbert since his Colbert Report days, building a tight-knit community. A stagehand, speaking anonymously, shared, “Stephen’s not just a boss—he’s family. We’re all gutted, but we know he’s got something big planned.” The uncertainty surrounding the cancellation has also raised questions about CBS’s long-term vision for late-night programming. Will they replace The Late Show with a new host, or is this the end of an era for the network’s storied time slot?

As the dust settles, the outpouring of support from stars and fans alike highlights the void Colbert’s departure will leave. From his razor-sharp political takedowns to his heartfelt interviews with figures like Michelle Obama and Bruce Springsteen, Colbert redefined what late-night could be. The 13 stars who spoke out—along with countless others—represent a chorus of admiration for a man who made millions laugh, think, and feel. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Stephen Colbert’s legacy will endure, and the “biggest surprise” promises to keep us all guessing.