In his social media post, Trump said that Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel are next.
CBS revealed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end in May 2026, marking the conclusion of the highest-rated late night show on US television for the last decade. The network attributed its decision to economic reasons—alleged annual losses of more than $40 million—financially. CBS assured that it has no intentions to replace the show once the season ends.
The announcement caused an immediate reaction from US President Donald Trump, who hailed the news and stated that there were more late-night cancellations to come. On Truth Social, Trump took credit for Colbert's cancellation and forecast that fellow hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon would soon join him, referring to them as "people with absolutely no talent."
The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has sparked speculation over political interference in CBS's decision-making processes. The action has not only caused shockwaves in the industry but has been criticised heavily.
Several high-profile late-night personalities, such as Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jimmy Fallon, and Jon Stewart, have come out in public against the impact on political satire on television. Even former host of The Late Show, David Letterman, spoke out, pronouncing judgment, "There is no CBS with BS," in a stinging rebuke of the network's move.
Colbert announced during a taping session at the Ed Sullivan Theatre, assuring viewers that next year would be the last season for the show. He thanked CBS, his colleagues, and the audience, and vowed to ensure the last few months were memorable. Reacting to the development with his signature humour, he laughed, "They left me alive… I can say what I think of Donald Trump, starting right now."
In response to Donald Trump's post mentioning Jimmy Kimmel's show to be next in line, the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host shared the aforementioned post on his Instagram. He captioned his post, "I’m hearing you’re next. Or maybe it’s just another wonderful secret." The comments seem to be hinting at Trump's involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case, which was alleged by Elon Musk in his social media post.
With questions already circling the reasons for its cancellation and the wider fate of political satire on mainstream television, the last few months of the show will be watched carefully—not just for their wit, but for what they say in an increasingly polarised media landscape.
