Jimmy Kimmel Criticizes CBS Following Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Cancellation: 'Forget You and All Your Sheldons'

The decision to cancel The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is sending shockwaves through Hollywood — and late-night veterans like Jimmy Kimmel and Andy Cohen aren’t holding back their feelings.

During the Thursday, July 17 taping of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert, 61, confirmed to his audience that CBS plans to shut down the long-running late-night staple at the end of its 2025–2026 season.

“Before we start the show I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season, the network [CBS] will be ending The Late Show in May,” Colbert told the stunned audience, who booed in response.

“I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” he added. “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, and all around the world.”

Following Colbert’s emotional on-air announcement, Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel, 57, showed his support — and frustration — in a pointed Instagram Story. Reposting a clip of Colbert’s remarks, he captioned it: “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS.”

Bravo’s Andy Cohen also voiced his disbelief while speaking to Deadline at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards in Los Angeles.

“I think it’s a sad day for late-night television,” Cohen, 57, said. “I think it’s a sad day for CBS. 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,” Cohen continued. “It’s sad for CBS, really.”

Meanwhile, CBS executives — including President and CEO George Cheeks, CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach, and CBS Studios President David Staph — released a joint statement explaining their reasoning behind the decision.

“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” the network said, citing finances — not ratings or performance — as the primary factor. “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 network also praised Colbert’s creative impact: “Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas,” the statement read. “The show has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons.”