John Oliver, the acclaimed host of HBO’s *Last Week Tonight*, has shared his emotional response to the recent announcement regarding the cancellation of *The Late Show With Stephen Colbert*. In a heartfelt statement, Oliver expressed his sorrow, stating, “Obviously, I love Stephen. I love his staff. I love that show. It’s incredibly sad. I’m partly excited to see what they’re gonna do for the next 10 months.”
This news comes as a shock to many fans and followers of late-night television, marking the end of an era in the genre. Colbert, who has been a prominent figure in late-night comedy, revealed that *The Late Show* will conclude its run in May 2026 during a taping on July 17. “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,” Colbert shared with his studio audience, prompting an outpouring of emotions from fans and colleagues alike.
Reflecting on the significance of late-night shows, Oliver remarked, “Late-night shows mean a lot to me, not just because I work in them, because even growing up in England, I would watch Letterman’s show, which of course was Stephen’s show, and think about what a glamorous world that was.” He emphasized the joy he felt being a part of both Letterman’s and Colbert’s shows, making the cancellation even more poignant for him.
In his comments, Oliver lamented, “It’s terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy,” highlighting the impact Colbert’s show has had on the late-night landscape. Both hosts share a history as correspondents on *The Daily Show*, although their tenures did not overlap. Colbert took over *The Late Show* from David Letterman, while Oliver’s own series debuted in 2014.
Colbert’s announcement of the cancellation has led to an outpouring of support from fellow late-night hosts and fans. Many have rallied around him, acknowledging the tremendous contributions he has made to the genre. “I share your feelings,” Colbert responded to the audience’s boos during the announcement, underscoring the collective disappointment felt by viewers.
In a statement released by CBS, the network clarified that the decision to end *The Late Show* was driven by financial considerations and was not a reflection of the show’s performance or content. “Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult,” CBS stated. They emphasized their commitment to honoring Colbert and celebrating the show over the next ten months, alongside its millions of fans.
As fans of late-night television process this news, Oliver’s reaction serves as a reminder of the bond shared among hosts and the impact these shows have on audiences. The legacy of *The Late Show With Stephen Colbert* will undoubtedly be felt long after its final episode airs, as it has carved out a significant place in the hearts of viewers and the landscape of late-night comedy.
In the coming months, both Colbert and Oliver are expected to continue their work in the industry, with fans eagerly anticipating their next moves. As Oliver stated, “I look forward to seeing what [Colbert is] gonna do next because that man will not stop.” The future may hold new opportunities for both hosts, and their fans will be there to support them every step of the way.