In a fiery monologue that lit up social media late Friday, Stephen Colbert dropped a bombshell on his live audience: “They’re pushing me out – and they’re doing it now, not dragging it to 2026 like they promised.”

The 61-year-old funnyman, visibly emotional at the Ed Sullivan Theater desk he’s called home for a decade, told the stunned crowd that CBS executives delivered an ultimatum earlier this week – wrap production immediately or face a messy public firing.

“This isn’t about money anymore,” Colbert said, voice cracking. “This is about control. They want me gone yesterday because I won’t play nice.”

Sources inside CBS tell The Post the network is furious over Colbert’s relentless jabs at President Trump and top Paramount brass following the controversial $16 million settlement earlier this year. Insiders say new Skydance merger overlords demanded “loyalty” – and Colbert’s refusal sealed his fate.

But CBS fired back hard in a statement Saturday morning: “These claims are completely false. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert remains scheduled to conclude its historic run in May 2026, as previously announced. There are no plans for an immediate shutdown.”

Network honchos point to the original July announcement, blaming “brutal economics” in late-night TV – ad revenue tanking, streaming wars raging, and linear viewership in freefall.

Yet Colbert doubled down on Friday’s show, waving what he claimed was an internal memo dated November 12 ordering staff to “cease new episode production effective immediately” and shift to repeats and “best-of” clips starting December.

“The mustache isn’t fooling anyone anymore,” he joked through tears, referencing his summer ‘stache that fans thought was a joke shield against corporate heat. “They told me grow it, shave it, whatever – just shut up and go away.”

The audience erupted in boos and chants of “Four more years!” as Colbert’s bandleader Jon Batiste led an impromptu rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Hollywood is exploding.

Jimmy Kimmel, fresh off his own suspension scare, blasted CBS on X: “First they came for me, now Stephen? This isn’t about ratings – it’s about revenge.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren renewed calls for a federal probe: “If Trump’s people are pulling strings at CBS again, America deserves answers NOW.”

Even Trump weighed in from Mar-a-Lago, posting: “Sleepy Stephen finally woke up and realized nobody’s watching! SAD! But good riddance to fake news late night.”

Colbert’s team is lawyering up. Sources say he’s demanding his full contract payout – reportedly north of $15 million a year – plus severance for his 200-plus staffers who now face holiday pink slips.

“CBS thinks they can bury this with a slow fade to black in May,” one Colbert insider fumed. “But Stephen’s not going quietly. He’s got receipts.”

The Ed Sullivan Theater, home to legends from Letterman to Elvis, now sits under a dark cloud. Crew members were seen packing boxes Saturday, while fans gathered outside with signs reading “Save Stephen!”

As of press time, CBS.com still lists new episodes through next week – but multiple staffers confirm those were pre-taped before the alleged showdown.

Colbert ended Friday’s show – possibly his last live one – with a defiant message: “They can take our time slot, but they can’t take our voice. See you on the internet, America.”

YouTube and TikTok are already bracing for “The Resistance with Stephen Colbert” – an unsubtle hint at what’s next.

One thing’s clear: Late-night TV just lost its sharpest sword. And whether it’s corporate greed, political payback, or both – the fight is far from over.

As Colbert signed off: “Goodnight, and good luck – we’re gonna need it.”

CBS had no further comment when reached Saturday night. But in Tinseltown, everyone’s asking the same question: Did they really just kill the king?

Stay tuned. This story’s just getting started.