Stephen Colbert’s Heartbreaking Reaction to The Late Show’s Sudden Death Will Leave You in Tears

Stephen Colbert has revealed his stunned reaction to The Late Show being cancelled after 11 seasons - just two days before his final episode airs. Seen on May 7 in NYC — Stephen Colbert has revealed his stunned reaction to The Late Show being cancelled after 11 seasons – just two days before his final episode airs. Seen on May 7 in NYC

Fans were left stunned when Colbert, 62, shockingly announced on July 17 last year that Paramount/CBS would not be renewing his contract after 11 years - he told People why he believes the axe 'might have saved his life' — Fans were left stunned when Colbert, 62, shockingly announced on July 17 last year that Paramount/CBS would not be renewing his contract after 11 years – he told People why he believes the axe ‘might have saved his life’

Stephen Colbert, 62, has opened up about his gut-wrenching reaction to the cancellation of The Late Show after 11 seasons, just two days before his final episode. Fans were stunned when he announced in July last year that Paramount/CBS would not renew his contract, ending the late-night program that had been on air for 44 years.

Colbert has seen many A-list stars on his set including Jennifer Aniston in September 2025

And he chatted with Meryl Streep earlier this year

Colbert feels CBS 'saved my life' by ending the show. 'I¿ll be stepping down with enough time, enough energy to do other things that I want to do,' he said. With George Clooney in April — Colbert feels CBS ‘saved my life’ by ending the show. ‘I’ll be stepping down with enough time, enough energy to do other things that I want to do,’ he said. With George Clooney in April

At the time, the network cited financial reasons, though the cancellation came days after Colbert criticized Paramount/CBS’ $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump as a “big fat bribe.” Colbert has now revealed that he learned the news from his manager while resting with a sock over his eyes, saying: ‘I sat up and said, “I’m sorry, I’m awake. Could you say that one more time?”‘

This comes amid news from Puck that the show is on track to post their least-viewed January on record with just 285,000 viewers. Seen with Anne Hathaway

Reflecting on the cancellation, Colbert now feels that CBS ‘saved my life,’ noting the intense demands of producing the show daily. He expressed relief at stepping down with enough energy to pursue other projects, including spending more time with his three adult children, Madeleine, 30, Peter, 28, and John, 24, whom he shares with wife Evelyn McGee Colbert.

Colbert plans to attend his brother’s wedding and work on writing the new Lord Of The Rings movie, remaining available for other opportunities. This news comes as The Late Show, reportedly losing $40 million annually, was set to post its lowest January viewership ever with just 285,000 viewers.

Throughout his 11-season run, Colbert has cherished filming in the historic Ed Sullivan Theater and collaborating with top talent. He will conclude the series with special episodes featuring Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne, and Bruce Springsteen, among others. Colbert has promised a simple sign-off for the finale, while his rivals Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon will air reruns in respect.

A celebratory wrap party, dubbed ‘Fired and Festive,’ will be held at a nearby venue in New York City, attended by numerous celebrities. Earlier, Colbert and his predecessor David Letterman humorously destroyed furniture on the theater roof, adding a memorable, chaotic moment to the show’s conclusion.

Colbert remains grateful for the experience and the historic platform the show provided, emphasizing the opportunity to work with talented colleagues and entertain audiences nightly.

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