More Than Just a Show: John Oliver Mourns The Late Show’s End as a ‘Deep Cut Into the Heart of Comedy’

New York, August 1, 2025 – The comedy world is reeling after CBS’s shock announcement on July 17, 2025, that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026, concluding a 33-year franchise. John Oliver, host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, described the cancellation as “a deep cut into the heart of comedy,” a sentiment that has left fans worldwide grappling with sadness and disbelief. Speaking at an Erie, Pennsylvania event on July 19, Oliver’s heartfelt reaction underscored the profound loss felt by the industry and viewers, sparking an outpouring of grief on platforms like X, where fans mourn the end of a late-night institution.

Oliver, a frequent guest on The Late Show with 20 appearances over nearly a decade, expressed his devastation to reporters while promoting the Erie Moon Mammoths, a minor league baseball team he rebranded. “I love Stephen, I love his staff, I love that show. It’s incredibly sad,” he said, adding, “It’s terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy.” He reflected on his personal connection, noting that growing up in England, he watched David Letterman’s Late Show, later hosted by Colbert, dreaming of its “glamorous world.” Oliver’s words, reported by The Associated Press and Variety, resonate with fans who view The Late Show as more than entertainment—a cultural touchstone blending humor, heart, and sharp commentary.

The cancellation, which CBS attributed to financial pressures amid declining late-night ad revenue, has sparked skepticism. Many, including Oliver’s fans on X, suspect political motives tied to Paramount Global’s settlement with President Donald Trump, especially after Colbert criticized the deal as a “big fat bribe.” Posts on X, like one from @brianstelter, highlight Oliver’s reaction and the broader sentiment: “It’s terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy.” Others, like @JamesTate121, frame the response as a “comedy rebellion,” with hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers rallying behind Colbert.

Stephen Colbert, who took over from Letterman in September 2015, transformed The Late Show into a beacon of satire, earning praise for his incisive monologues and celebrity interviews. His Daily Show roots, shared with Oliver, fostered a friendship evident in their on-screen chemistry. Oliver’s frequent appearances, often riffing on absurdities like mascot antics or systemic issues, made him the show’s most recurring guest, per Colbert’s February 2025 tally. Fans on Reddit’s r/popculturechat lament the loss, with u/pattismithology writing, “John Oliver’s right—this is a gut punch to comedy. Colbert’s show was a nightly ritual.”

The sadness extends beyond fans to the comedy community. Kimmel’s Instagram post, “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS,” captures the raw anger, while Jamie Lee Curtis called the decision “awful,” telling Variety, “They’re trying to silence people, but that won’t work.” Oliver, while mourning, expressed intrigue about Colbert’s next moves: “I’m partly excited to see what they’re going to do for the next 10 months… that man will not stop.” This optimism reflects Colbert’s resilience, evident when he defiantly told his audience, “They left me alive. And now, for the next ten months, the gloves are off.”

The Late Show’s departure marks a seismic shift in late-night television, a genre struggling against streaming platforms and fragmented audiences. Oliver’s Last Week Tonight, renewed through 2026, thrives on HBO’s premium model, allowing deep dives into topics like hospice scams or bail reform. Yet, he acknowledges the unique role of nightly shows like Colbert’s, which offer immediate, accessible satire. His description of the cancellation as a “deep cut” echoes fears that The Daily Show, another Daily Show alum-led program, may face similar risks under Paramount’s pending Skydance merger.

Fans worldwide are speechless, with X posts reflecting a mix of nostalgia and despair. @NewsHour quoted Colbert’s poignant announcement: “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.” The finality has hit hard, with fans sharing clips of Colbert’s Coldplay kiss cam spoof or Oliver’s zany guest spots, cherishing moments that defined the show.

Oliver’s own journey—from Daily Show correspondent to Emmy-winning host—parallels Colbert’s, making his grief particularly poignant. His Last Week Tonight, now in its 12th season, fills a weekly niche, but he credits nightly shows for shaping his comedic lens. At the Erie event, he noted, “Late-night shows mean a lot to me, not just because I work in them.” This reverence underscores why The Late Show’s end feels like a personal loss to Oliver and fans alike.

As The Late Show nears its final episode, the comedy world braces for a void. Oliver’s call for fans to savor Colbert’s remaining months resonates, with many hoping for unfiltered, “gloves-off” moments. The sadness is palpable, but so is the resolve to celebrate a show that, as Oliver said, cut deeply into comedy’s heart—not to wound, but to leave an enduring mark.