Fans of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert aren’t letting the long-running talk show go quietly. In a powerful display of support, dozens of anti-Trump protesters recently converged outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, the iconic home of The Late Show. They gathered to voice their strong disapproval of CBS’s decision to cancel the series, which is slated to air its final episode in May 2026.
Holding picket signs and chanting passionately, the protesters rallied behind Colbert, condemning what they perceive as political pressure and accusing CBS of undermining free speech and satire.
The protest follows widespread speculation surrounding Stephen Colbert’s exit, with many believing the show’s cancellation was a direct result of Colbert’s unrelenting mockery of President Donald Trump. Colbert himself confirmed the show’s impending end, announcing to his audience, “Next year will be our last season, the network will be ending The Late Show in May.”
The news, predictably, elicited a reaction from Donald Trump, who clearly wasn’t saddened by the development. On his Truth Social platform, Trump gleefully shared, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!” In his post, Trump also took aim at other late-night hosts, adding, “[Fox News late night host] Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.”
In the wake of the CBS shakeup, fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel quickly expressed his solidarity with Colbert. On Instagram, Kimmel posted, “Love you, Stephen. F— you and all your Sheldons CBS.” Jimmy Fallon’s response, while equally supportive, was less confrontational. Expressing his shock on Instagram, Fallon stated, “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it.” He added, “I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years – going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”
