John Stewart (The Daily Show, The Problem with Jon Stewart) did not mince words when discussing the cancellation of his former coworker’s program, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He furiously told media companies to “sack up” then broke it to a number that may or may not be titled “f**k yourself” on his late-night program, The Daily Show. Via mxdwn, following the airing of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart joined many of his fellow late-night hosts on The Late Show in solidarity with their colleague. This comes amid speculation that CBS cancelled The Late Show due to pressure from Donald Trump. A claim that CBS has denied, stating that the decision was made “purely a financial decision”. The cancellation coincides with a period in which CBS is awaiting the President’s approval for a merger with Sky Dance.
Jon Stewart reacts to CBS cancelling “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and tells corporations and advertisers to “sack up” pic.twitter.com/v8MrNpg28w
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) July 22, 2025
Other celebrities have reacted to the cancellation with similar disheartenment. Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander) shared that he was “Sorry to hear” that CBS was canceling The Late Show.
Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have.
Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best.@colbertlateshow
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) July 18, 2025
While other celebrities have made more outright political statements, John Cussak (High Fidelity, Say Anything) replied to a tweet that Stephen Colbert (The Late Show, The Colbert Report) was standing up to fascism.
He’s not groveling enough to American fascism – Larry Ellison needs his tax cuts — doesn’t need comedians reminding people they are not cattle . https://t.co/eyrcxOPHgc
— John Cusack (@johncusack) July 18, 2025
Additionally, Jamie Lee Curtis (Freaky Friday, Knives Out) spoke to NPR about the show’s cancellation.
According to BuzzFeed, Actor John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge, Spawn) even called for a boycott of CBS.
Rob Schneider (Grown Ups, 50 First Dates) spoke to Fox News about his desire for late-night shows to return to a phase in which they remained apolitical. Specifically citing Johnny Carson (The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Looking For Love), stating that “he didn’t alienate anyone.”
Rob Schneider talks about how much better The Late Show was when it wasn’t as political. pic.twitter.com/bj3KvZDkyd
— (Jason) Stands For Truth (@TruthJasonLee) July 20, 2025
Most of Hollywood has seemingly come out in support of Colbert. According to mxdwn, the WGA even called for an investigation into Paramount. The general populace appears to be divided on the cancellation. One user expressed support for Colbert himself, wishing for the return of his former program, The Colbert Report.
Now that The Late Show is canceled can we please get The Colbert Report back? pic.twitter.com/i8ZMGZfRR8
— Swish Street (@SwishStreet) July 17, 2025
While others have stated concerns about the entire media landscape, citing recent cuts to NPR and PBS.
That Late Show cancellation news is like really really bad, not just for the state of late TV but also in a general sense for the state of media.
— bobbi loves vampires
(@hiimbobbi) July 18, 2025
In case you missed it, the republicans cut off funding for NPR and PBS today. And later, CBS cancelled the Stephen Colbert show because he spoke the truth about trump. Make no mistake about it: Fascism is here, and we are goose stepping toward having one state-approved media.
—
Scary Larry
(@aintscarylarry) July 18, 2025
Among those who applauded the cancellation, some have called the show unfunny while others decried Colbert’s political views.
Good riddance, you leftist piece of trash
pic.twitter.com/2zaucMf929
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 17, 2025
Many have pointed to his vaccine segment, which aired during the midst of the COVID pandemic, as particularly divisive and cringeworthy.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been cancelled.
Does anyone know why
pic.twitter.com/tIpijX7dXU
— One Bad Dude (@OneBadDude_) July 17, 2025
Some prominent podcasters and social media personalities have backed CBS, citing that the show was allegedly losing $40 to $50 million a year, with some believing that this could be the first domino to fall in the struggling late-night television industry.
According to mxdwn, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social about his admiration for the The Late Show’s cancellation. A statement in which Colbert responded by telling Trump to “go f**k himself.
