Individuals ranging from Jimmy Fallon to Seth Meyers, Adam Sandler, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Andy Cohen, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Molly Gordon have voiced their disapproval of Paramount’s choice.
Stephen Colbert is receiving backing from his supporters and colleagues following the announcement that his cherished Late Show is being discontinued.
During the July 14 episode of his popular late-night talk show, which premiered in 2015, Colbert criticized Paramount for agreeing to a $16-million settlement in their 2024 lawsuit from Donald Trump. Trump accused CBS (owned by Paramount) of editing an interview with Kamala Harris—his then-rival for the presidency—to cast her in a more favorable light. Initially, Paramount’s legal team stated that the lawsuit was “an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact;” however, they ultimately settled with Trump, intensifying the MAGA leader’s ongoing assault against the media.
On air, Colbert referred to the action as a “big, fat bribe.” The following day, Skydance Media CEO David Ellison met with leaders of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to discuss Skydance’s proposed merger with Paramount. Two days later, Paramount declared that they would be canceling Colbert’s show, and shortly thereafter, the FCC approved Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount.
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Although Paramount has maintained that the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was “purely a financial decision,” many in the media industry—including fellow hosts—as well as fans and celebrities have expressed skepticism and have united in support of Colbert to protest the decision.
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Late-night personalities Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, and John Oliver