Adam Scott, Rachel Zegler and others rally behind Stephen Colbert, slam CBS for axing 'The Late Show'
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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The news that CBS will end 'The Late Show' next year after 32 years shocked Hollywood, prompting celebrities and public figures to speak out against the decision to shut down the iconic late-night franchise.
David Letterman originally hosted the show until 2015, after which Emmy-winning host Stephen Colbert took over and led it to continued success.
On Thursday night, July 17, Colbert delivered the announcement directly to viewers, saying, “Before we start the show, I wanna let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season.”
Rachel Zegler
'Evita' actress Rachel Zegler joined a growing list of stars reacting to the emotional news of 'The Late Show' ending its run. Sharing her thoughts on social media, Zegler expressed her admiration for the host, writing, “I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen.”
Jon Batiste
Former 'Late Show' bandleader Jon Batiste also weighed in, honoring Colbert’s legacy with a brief but powerful tribute: “The greatest to ever do it.”
Adam Scott
'Severance' star Adam Scott didn’t hold back in his reaction to the end of 'The Late Show', writing, “Love you Stephen. This is absolute bulls**t, and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows. ✊😡💔”
His message combined frustration with heartfelt support for Colbert’s final stretch on the show.
Judd Apatow
Filmmaker Judd Apatow took a more forward-looking tone, expressing optimism about Colbert’s future projects. “[I’m] excited to see what other brilliance’ Colbert works on next,” he shared.
Jimmy Kimmel
Fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel offered a sharp and unfiltered response. “Love you Stephen,” he posted, before taking a jab at the network: “F**k you and all your Sheldons, CBS.”
Katie Couric
Journalist Katie Couric, who has previously appeared on 'The Late Show,' shared her disappointment over the show's cancellation. Commenting on the show's Instagram post, she wrote, “I am so upset about this. I need more information. We love you @stephenathome.”
Elizabeth Warren
CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 18, 2025
America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.
Watch and share his message. pic.twitter.com/Rz7HcWFLYM
Senator Elizabeth Warren, who in May launched an inquiry into possible bribery involving Paramount Global and Donald Trump over the Skydance merger, is now questioning the timing and motive behind the cancellation of 'The Late Show.'
Warren voiced her concerns on X, writing, “CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery.” She added, “America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons,” raising serious concerns about potential political interference in the network’s decision.
CBS issues a joint statement revealing the reason behind to end 'The Late Show'
(YouTube/The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
Paramount co-CEO and CBS President and CEO George Cheeks, along with CBS Entertainment head Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf, issued a joint statement explaining that the decision to end 'The Late Show' was driven purely by "financial" considerations.
They emphasized that Stephen Colbert is “irreplaceable” and announced plans to retire the franchise once he departs, as per BBC.
“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home," they shared.
They added, “He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television. This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount.”
The executives continued praising his “cutting-edge comedy,” “must-watch monologue,” and high-profile interviews, describing the show as “a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.”
They highlighted 'The Late Show' with Colbert’s significant achievements in terms of performance, quality, and cultural impact.
“The accomplishments of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert are memorable and significant in performance, quality, and stature. With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers,” they emphasized.
Meanwhile, Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, is preparing to finalize a merger with Skydance in the coming months.
