Late-Night Legends Unite: Fallon, Oliver, Stewart, Meyers & More Rally Behind Stephen Colbert, Take Over Late Show Audience After Shocking Cancellation
In a remarkable show of unity, some of the most prominent figures in comedy—including Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart, Adam Sandler, and more—packed the audience of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Monday night. Their appearance came just days after CBS announced the abrupt cancellation of Colbert’s top-rated late-night show, a decision that stunned fans and industry insiders alike—especially since it came on the heels of multiple Emmy nominations for the program.
A Star-Studded Audience
The Ed Sullivan Theater was transformed into a who’s who of comedy as late-night rivals and comedy legends gathered to express support for Colbert and protest CBS’s move. The episode kicked off with Colbert inviting “Weird Al” Yankovic and Lin-Manuel Miranda onstage to perform Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”—a tongue-in-cheek nod to a recent Coldplay concert CEO scandal. As the musical number unfolded, cameras panned the audience to reveal a parade of celebrities:
– Andy Cohen stole a kiss from Anderson Cooper.
– Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers shared high-fives and beers.
– Adam Sandler , Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (with creator Robert Smigel), and Christopher McDonald snacked on fried food in the stands.
– John Oliver and Jon Stewart erupted in mock excitement at being caught on camera.
The skit culminated with a satirical animated segment featuring a cartoon President Trump holding a Paramount sign, before the character comically “ducked out”—a playful jab at both the network’s parent company and a recent viral concert scandal.
Colbert Addresses the Cancellation
Colbert, who has helmed “The Late Show” since taking over from David Letterman in 2015, didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room. In his opening monologue, he tackled the cancellation head-on with characteristic wit:
“Folks, I’m gonna say it. Cancel culture has gone too far,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause.
Colbert also took aim at the show’s financials and CBS’s controversial $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, referencing the deal which followed a disputed “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election.
“$40 million’s a big number. I could see us losing $24 million, but where would Paramount have possibly spent the other $16 million? Oh yeah,” Colbert joked, alluding to the settlement.
Despite the humor, Colbert questioned the network’s rationale:
“How could it purely be a financial decision if ‘The Late Show’ is number one in ratings?” he asked, highlighting the disconnect between the show’s critical acclaim, strong ratings, and its reported financial losses—upwards of $40 million a year on a $100 million budget.
Industry and Peer Reactions
The outpouring of support extended beyond the theater. Jimmy Kimmel, whose own late-night show on ABC is currently on hiatus, was notably absent from the audience but posted a message of solidarity on Instagram:
“Love you, Stephen. F—k you and all your Sheldons, CBS,” Kimmel wrote, referencing CBS’s penchant for “The Big Bang Theory” spin-offs.
Monday’s guests, actor Dave Franco and Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh, also expressed their admiration for Colbert and disappointment at the show’s impending end.
The End of an Era
The cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” set for May 2026, marks the end of a significant chapter in late-night television. Colbert’s tenure has been defined by sharp political satire, high-profile interviews, and a willingness to address both national controversies and network decisions with candor and humor.
As the comedy community rallies around Colbert, the moment serves as both a send-off and a statement: the bonds among late-night hosts and comedians run deeper than ratings wars or network rivalries. And as the future of late-night TV remains uncertain, the solidarity on display Monday night is a testament to Colbert’s impact on the genre—and to the enduring power of comedy in turbulent times.
