Stephen Colbert is not going quietly after CBS announced it would end “The Late Show.” During Monday’s monologue, the host spoke candidly about the decision, while fellow late-night hosts and celebrities rallied behind him.
His remarks included jabs at CBS, President Donald Trump and a parody skit featuring surprise cameos by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Weird Al Yankovic.
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Colbert says CBS decision doesn’t add up
Colbert opened his monologue with a promise to hold nothing back during his final months on air. He said CBS had clarified the cancellation was “purely a financial decision.”
“But how can it be purely a financial decision if ‘The Late Show’ is number one in ratings?” Colbert asked during Monday’s show.
He went on to address a report from the New York Post that a CBS insider said the network was losing $40-50 million annually on the show.
“I could see us losing $24 million,” Colbert said. “But where would Paramount have possibly spent the other $16 million? Oh, yeah…” he added, referencing the company’s reported legal settlement with Donald Trump, tied to the “60 Minutes” lawsuit.
Trump birthday card and Truth Social feud
Colbert also brought up a recent The Wall Street Journal report alleging that Donald Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a birthday card for his 50th birthday. The note reportedly included several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman “hand-drawn with a heavy marker.”
Later, Colbert responded to a Truth Social post from Trump that read, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” To that, Colbert replied on air with a blunt message:
“Go f— yourself.”
Celebrity cameos and musical satire
The monologue gave way to a musical performance by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Weird Al Yankovic. The bit poked fun at the viral Coldplay kiss cam story involving the CEO of Astronomer and a mystery woman — who wasn’t his wife.
As the two performed, the camera cut to fake kiss cam moments featuring hosts like Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Adam Sandler, John Oliver and Jon Stewart.
The sketch ended abruptly when Colbert appeared with a letter from “corporate,” spoofing his own cancellation.
“Your song has been canceled,” he said.
“What? Why?” they asked.
“It says here this was purely a financial decision,” Colbert responds.
Colbert followed up with a punchline that mirrored reports of his own show’s financial loss:
“Since you started playing that song, the network has lost, and I don’t know how this is possible, $40 million to $50 million.”
Jon Stewart, others show support
Celebrities have been voicing their support too. While Stewart was in Colbert’s audience Monday, he closed his Monday “The Daily Show” monologue with a message for CBS:
“If you’re afraid and you protect your bottom line, I’ve got but one thing to say, just one little phrase — ‘Go f— yourself.’”
Jimmy Kimmel, who’s currently on summer break, also shared his reaction last week via Instagram, posting the cancellation news and calling out the network.
