Trump celebrates Colbert's show ending, eyes Kimmel next

Well, folks, late-night television just got a seismic shakeup that’s got President Donald Trump grinning ear to ear.

In a fiery post on Truth Social Thursday night, Trump cheered the impending conclusion of Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” on CBS, while hinting that ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel could be the next domino to fall.

Let’s break this down: CBS has decided not to renew Colbert’s contract, with the show slated to wrap up in May 2026, a move driven by financial pressures in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Trump’s Gleeful Reaction to Colbert News

Trump didn’t hold back in his online commentary, declaring, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.”

With a jab sharper than a tack, he added that Colbert’s talent was “even less than his ratings.” Let’s be honest, when ratings tank in today’s streaming era, networks start sharpening their axes, and Trump’s clearly enjoying the chop.

He even tossed in a prediction about Kimmel, suggesting he’s next in line with “even less talent.” Ouch—that’s the kind of zinger that stings, though it’s fair to wonder if late-night’s woes are more about format than personal flair.

CBS Pulls Plug on Late-Night Staple

Reports indicate that Colbert got the bad news from CBS on Wednesday evening, a tough pill for any host to swallow. A source close to the matter shared this tidbit with Variety, confirming the behind-the-scenes timing.

By Thursday, Colbert broke the news to his audience during a taping, likely with the kind of bittersweet humor he’s known for. You have to feel for the guy—decades on air, and now the curtain’s coming down.

CBS executives framed the decision as purely financial, pointing to a “challenging backdrop in late night” rather than any issues with the show’s content or performance. That’s a polite way of saying the money just isn’t there anymore.

Financial Woes and Shifting Viewer Habits

The network’s statement emphasized their respect for Colbert, noting, “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable.” Still, they’re retiring “The Late Show” franchise entirely after his exit in 2026—talk about a legacy getting a hard stop.

They also praised his place among late-night greats, insisting this isn’t about Paramount’s broader troubles or the show’s quality. Yet, when younger viewers are ditching traditional TV for streaming and short-form content, even the best hosts face an uphill battle.

Indeed, the shift in audience habits is a key piece of this puzzle. Late-night programming, once a cultural touchstone, is struggling to keep eyeballs when TikTok and YouTube offer instant laughs without the 11:30 p.m. commitment.

Colbert’s Recent Controversy with CBS

Adding a layer of intrigue, this cancellation comes on the heels of Colbert’s sharp critique of CBS News over a $16 million settlement with Trump. He called it a “big, fat bribe,” a remark that surely didn’t win him friends in the executive suite, though CBS insists this isn’t a factor.

Trump, never one to miss a chance for a victory lap, also boosted Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld in his post, claiming he’s “better than all of them combined.” It’s a nod to conservative-leaning media gaining ground while traditional late-night, often seen as leaning left, struggles to adapt.

At the end of the day, this story isn’t just about one show or one host—it’s about an industry at a crossroads. CBS’s decision to sunset a franchise reflects hard truths about dollars and cents, and perhaps a cultural shift away from the progressive tilt of late-night monologues. Turns out, even in Hollywood, actions—and market forces—have consequences.