Jimmy Kimmel isn’t holding back after CBS announced it would cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026 and retire the iconic late-night brand. Hours after Stephen Colbert shared the news during Thursday’s taping, Kimmel posted a pointed Instagram Story: “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS,” referencing the network’s long-standing investment in The Big Bang Theory universe.
CBS claimed the move was purely financial, citing the pressures of late-night programming in a shifting media landscape. However, many aren’t buying it—especially given the timing. Just weeks earlier, CBS parent company Paramount settled a lawsuit with Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview, reportedly paying $16 million.
Colbert, a consistent critic of Trump since taking over The Late Show in 2015, had recently criticized the settlement on-air. The proximity of these events has fueled speculation that political pressure played a role in the decision.
Industry figures like Andy Richter and Mike Schur voiced outrage online, while Senator Elizabeth Warren called for transparency, suggesting the cancellation may be politically motivated.
As the dust settles, the move raises urgent questions: Is this the death knell of traditional late-night—or a warning sign about political influence in entertainment?
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