One Reason The Cancellation Of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show Is ‘Incredibly Sad,’ According To John Oliver

As a cinema enthusiast, I often find that the realm of entertainment follows a cyclical pattern, not just in terms of constant reboots and revivals. The passionate movie and TV aficionados from past eras frequently become the pioneers who revolutionize these art forms as they mature, whether it’s through gritty indie horror, late-night talk show comedy, or anything else under the sun. In this context, John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, seems to be the saddest about CBS cancelling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

In an interview with THR, the multiple Emmy winner expressed his view that the show’s past award success, with six nominations for the 2025 Emmys, has significantly contributed to HBO and its parent company WBD keeping the satirical series running for so long. This is despite the fact that the content tackles topics as current and potentially contentious as those typically covered in evening talk shows. Additionally, the absence of advertising aids in this continuation. Regarding his personal concerns about the future of network TV’s late-night segment, John Oliver stated:

Indeed, it’s undergoing continuous change. The transformation of The Late Show is truly disheartening for the world of comedy, and undeniably so for the team within that building. It struck a chord with me when Stephen expressed his desire to pass this show onto another creator. One can only hope that the legacy persists, not just because it serves as an inspiration for future generations of teenagers who might aspire to be comedy writers, but also because they could potentially contribute to the show themselves.

This reaction aims to resonate with those who support and challenge CBS’ decision to cancel The Late Show, given Skydance’s upcoming merger with Paramount. Regardless of personal feelings towards the content, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential for younger audiences to find inspiration in such creative endeavors, which is a positive aspect that everyone can appreciate.

The profound impact of robust television comedy figures such as Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and others on upcoming generations of comedians and scribes can hardly be overlooked. Oliver expressed his desire for this chain of inspiration to persist, though he acknowledged that it may not take the same form.

Just as current writers learned from Letterman by watching him, future writers will learn from Colbert if they watch him now. It’s likely that this tradition of learning and inspiration will continue in some shape or form, even though we can’t predict the exact form it will take on network television at the moment.

Currently, “The Late Show” is the only program set to end, not until mid-2026. However, this development might seem ominous for the late-night format, considering CBS has previously discontinued “The Late Late Show” after James Corden’s departure and canceled “After Midnight” following Taylor Tomlinson’s exit.

Currently, NBC’s Tonight Show and Late Night are secure, but significant financial reductions were implemented in 2024, suggesting further cost-cutting measures may be necessary before the expiration of both hosts’ contracts. Jimmy Kimmel is expected to stay for a while longer, but with the President’s influence on recent events potentially intensifying his desire to retire, speculation arises about an early departure.

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