Jimmy Kimmel sends Stephen Colbert love, blasts 'all Sheldons' at CBS over 'The Late Show' cancellation

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jimmy Kimmel sent some love to his fellow late-night host, Stephen Colbert, as he fiercely bashed rival network CBS over the decision to axe Colbert’s Late Night show.

On Thursday, July 17, the network announced that the long-running franchise would come to an end in May 2026, justifying the cancellation as a “purely financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.”

“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television,” the CBS News, Paramount, and CBS bosses said in a joint statement.

The statement continued, “This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in the late night. It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount.”

Jimmy Kimmel blasts CBS for canceling 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'

Shortly after the news broke out, the 57-year-old talk show host reposted a clip of Stephen Colbert’s announcement to his Instagram Story with the caption, "Love you Stephen. F**k you and all your Sheldons CBS."

Kimmel’s scathing post appeared to be in reference to CBS's ‘The Big Bang Theory’ franchise, which includes the spin-offs ‘Young Sheldon’ and ‘Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage’.

In addition to Kimmel, Andy Cohen, who worked at CBS for 10 years at the start of his career, also reacted to the network’s announcement of cancelling Colbert’s late-night show, calling it "a sad day for late-night television."

"I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. He's going to have an incredible next chapter. I can't believe CBS is turning off the lights at 11:30 after the local news. I'm stunned. He's one of three late-night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show,” he told Deadline.

Hollywood stars also voiced their reactions after the recently Emmy-nominated talk show was abruptly cancelled by the executives.

"Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have. Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best," Ben Stiller wrote on X.

"Love you Stephen. This is absolute bulls**t, and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows,” Adam Scott commented under a video of Colbert's announcement on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Rachel Zegler wrote, "I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen," and former 'The Late Show' bandleader Jon Batiste added, "The greatest to ever do it."

Stephen Colbert addresses the cancellation of his show

Just before the network announced its decision to end the show, Stephen Colbert addressed the cancellation of his show during the taping of Thursday’s show at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York. 

“Before we start the show, I want to let you know something I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending 'The Late Show' in May,” he told the audience, who responded with wild boos.

“I share your feelings,” Colbert replied, assuring the audience that he was not “being replaced,” but that the network was ending the franchise entirely.

“I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. I’m so grateful to the Tiffany Network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home,” he stated.

The late-night show host also expressed his gratitude to fans worldwide, saying he was “grateful” to those who “joined us every night… Mr. and Mrs. America and all the ships at sea.”