The abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert by CBS in May 2026 has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans, colleagues, and the host himself reeling. For Stephen Colbert, a comedic titan known for his sharp wit and incisive political commentary, the end of his decade-long tenure as host has triggered what many close to him describe as a profound psychological shock. The decision, which CBS insists was purely financial, has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with many speculating that political motivations tied to Colbert’s outspoken critiques of President Donald Trump played a role. As the public and media pile on with relentless scrutiny, Colbert’s mental health has reportedly taken a severe hit, raising questions about the toll of fame, corporate decisions, and political pressures in today’s fractured media landscape.

A Shocking End to a Cultural Institution

For over 30 years, The Late Show has been a cornerstone of American late-night television, first under David Letterman and then with Colbert at the helm since 2015. The show’s cancellation, announced on July 17, 2025, came as a bombshell, particularly as it was the top-rated program in its time slot, averaging 2.417 million viewers across 41 new episodes this year. Colbert broke the news to his audience with characteristic humor but visible emotion, saying, “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.” The audience’s boos and groans echoed the disbelief felt by millions.

The timing of the announcement raised eyebrows. Just days earlier, Colbert had publicly criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with President Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, calling it a “big fat bribe.” With Paramount seeking approval for an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media—a deal requiring the Trump administration’s sign-off—many, including Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren, questioned whether the cancellation was politically motivated. While CBS maintains it was a financial decision due to the show’s reported $40 million annual losses, the optics have fueled a narrative of corporate capitulation to political pressure.

The Psychological Toll on Colbert

Colbert, 61, has long been a pillar of resilience in the high-pressure world of late-night television. His journey from a Daily Show correspondent to the host of The Colbert Report and then The Late Show showcased his ability to navigate cultural shifts with humor and grace. However, sources close to the comedian suggest that the cancellation has hit him harder than expected. “Stephen is devastated,” a longtime colleague shared anonymously. “This wasn’t just a job—it was his platform, his voice. To have it taken away so suddenly, and with all the speculation about political motives, has been crushing.”

The public’s reaction has only compounded the strain. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with both support and vitriol. Fans have rallied around Colbert, with hashtags like #SaveTheLateShow trending, while detractors—some emboldened by Trump’s gleeful Truth Social post celebrating the cancellation—have hurled insults, questioning his talent and relevance. Trump’s own words, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings,” cut deep, especially for a host who has consistently outrated competitors like Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel.

Colbert’s mental health struggles are not entirely new. He has been open about his battles with anxiety and depression, particularly following personal tragedies like the loss of his father and brothers in a plane crash when he was 10. However, the current crisis appears uniquely intense. “The combination of losing his show, the political firestorm, and the personal attacks has pushed him to a breaking point,” a friend revealed. Reports suggest Colbert has been experiencing sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and periods of withdrawal, raising concerns among his inner circle about his ability to cope.

The Role of Public Criticism

The cancellation has ignited a broader debate about the state of late-night television and the pressures faced by its hosts. Colbert, known for his sharp political satire, has been a lightning rod for criticism, particularly from conservative audiences who viewed his monologues as overly partisan. His blistering critiques of Trump, especially during the 2016 and 2024 elections, made him a hero to some and a villain to others. The polarized reactions have intensified since the cancellation, with some accusing him of alienating viewers with his “left-wing politics,” while others praise his courage in speaking truth to power.

Fellow late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, have shown solidarity, with many making cameo appearances on Colbert’s first post-cancellation episode to lift his spirits. Stewart, in particular, delivered a fiery defense on The Daily Show, slamming CBS and suggesting the cancellation was less about finances and more about “pre-compliance” with political pressures. Yet, even this support has been a double-edged sword, as it has drawn more attention to Colbert’s plight, amplifying the scrutiny he faces.

The entertainment industry has also weighed in. Writers Guild of America members and prominent figures like Adam Sandler and Lin-Manuel Miranda have expressed outrage, with some calling for investigations into Paramount’s motives. Jill Twiss, a former late-night writer, wrote in The Guardian that the cancellation “hurts American comedy—and sanity,” emphasizing the role of shows like Colbert’s in providing a shared space for processing the absurdities of modern life. The relentless media coverage, while supportive in some corners, has kept Colbert in the spotlight, leaving him little room to process the loss privately.

The Broader Context: Late-Night’s Decline

The cancellation of The Late Show is not an isolated event but part of a larger trend. Late-night television has been struggling with declining ad revenue—down from $439 million in 2018 to $220 million in 2024—and shrinking audiences as younger viewers turn to streaming platforms and podcasts. CBS’s decision to also cancel After Midnight earlier this year underscores the financial pressures facing the genre. Yet, Colbert’s show, despite its losses, remained a ratings leader, making the decision to end it particularly perplexing.

The timing of the cancellation, coupled with Paramount’s merger talks, has fueled speculation about external influences. The Skydance deal, overseen by David Ellison—a known Trump associate—requires approval from the Trump-appointed FCC chairman, Brendan Carr. Critics argue that CBS may have seen Colbert’s show as a liability in securing this approval, especially given his vocal criticism of the administration. While no direct evidence of political interference has emerged, the perception of “bending the knee” to Trump has damaged CBS’s credibility and added to the narrative of Colbert as a “comedic martyr.”

Colbert’s Path Forward

As The Late Show prepares to air its final episodes, questions loom about Colbert’s next steps. Some speculate he may pivot to a podcast or streaming platform, where his quick wit and intellectual depth could find a new audience. Others worry about the toll the past weeks have taken on his mental health. “Stephen is a fighter, but he’s human,” a colleague noted. “He needs time to heal, to step back from the noise.”

Colbert himself has vowed to make the most of his remaining time on air, promising to “speak unvarnished truth to power” in his final 10 months. His Monday monologue after the cancellation was a mix of defiance and humor, with a pointed message to Trump: “Go f— yourself.” Yet, behind the bravado, those close to him describe a man grappling with grief and uncertainty.

The cancellation of The Late Show is more than the end of a television program; it’s a cultural loss that reflects the challenges of maintaining shared spaces in an increasingly fragmented society. For Stephen Colbert, it’s a personal blow that has shaken his mental stability and left him navigating a storm of public and political scrutiny. As he faces this uncertain chapter, the support of his peers and fans will be crucial in helping him find his footing again.