In a stunning move that has rocked the entertainment industry, CBS announced on July 17, 2025, that it would be canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the highest-rated late-night talk show on broadcast television, with its final episode set to air in May 2026. The decision sent ripples through Hollywood, prompting reactions from fans, celebrities, and even politicians. Among the most explosive responses came from Texas Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, whose fiery social media post has ignited a firestorm of debate about the future of late-night television and the potential political motivations behind CBS’s decision.

Crockett, known for her sharp wit and unapologetic style, took to social media to express her outrage, posting, “Love you Stephen, but CBS… y’all can go kick rocks!” Her post, laced with her signature blend of humor and defiance, quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes, shares, and comments within hours. The congresswoman’s blunt reaction resonated with fans who see the cancellation as more than just a business decision, fueling speculation that CBS’s move was influenced by external pressures, particularly in light of recent political developments.

The Backdrop: Why Was The Late Show Canceled?

CBS cited “financial reasons” for the cancellation, pointing to a declining advertising market for late-night television and the high production costs of The Late Show. Despite its consistent ratings lead over competitors like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the show reportedly lost between $40 million and $50 million annually. The broader landscape of late-night TV has been shrinking, with ad revenue for network talk shows dropping from $439 million in 2018 to $220 million in 2024, according to industry estimates.

However, the timing of the announcement raised eyebrows. Just days before, on July 14, 2025, Stephen Colbert delivered a scathing monologue accusing CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, of paying a $16 million “bribe” to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. The settlement, combined with Paramount’s pending $8 billion merger with Skydance Media—a deal requiring approval from Trump’s Federal Communications Commission—has led many to question whether the cancellation was purely financial or a strategic move to appease political powers.

Jasmine Crockett’s Viral Outburst

Jasmine Crockett, a rising star in the Democratic Party, has built a reputation for her bold rhetoric, most notably her viral “clapback” at Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene during a 2024 House hearing. Her response to the Late Show cancellation was no less fiery. In her full post, Crockett wrote, “Love you Stephen, but CBS… y’all can go kick rocks! Canceling the #1 late-night show when it’s speaking truth to power? Smells like someone’s scared of a little satire. We see you, Paramount. #SaveTheLateShow.”

The post struck a chord with fans and critics alike, who flooded social media with hashtags like #SaveTheLateShow and #CBSSucks. Crockett’s words tapped into a broader sentiment that the cancellation was an attempt to silence Colbert, a vocal critic of Trump and conservative policies. Her reference to “speaking truth to power” echoed the sentiments of other late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart, who called the decision a “capitulation” to political pressure, and Jimmy Kimmel, who posted, “Love you Stephen. F— you and all your Sheldons CBS.”

The Political Firestorm

Crockett’s post didn’t just resonate with fans—it caught the attention of political figures and commentators. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden sent a letter to Skydance CEO David Ellison, questioning whether the cancellation was part of a “secret side deal” tied to the Paramount-Trump settlement. The senators’ concerns reflect a growing unease about media consolidation and its impact on free speech, particularly when networks rely on government approval for major deals.

On the other side, conservative commentators celebrated the cancellation. A Breitbart article framed it as CBS finally pulling the plug on a “left-wing shill,” while Trump himself gloated on Truth Social, writing, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” Crockett’s post, however, flipped the narrative, framing the cancellation as an attack on free expression and a warning sign for the future of independent media.

The Late-Night Landscape in Crisis

The cancellation of The Late Show has sparked a broader conversation about the sustainability of late-night television. Once a cultural cornerstone, the format has struggled to adapt to changing viewer habits. Younger audiences increasingly turn to streaming platforms and social media for content, leaving traditional talk shows with dwindling viewership. CBS’s decision to end The Late Show franchise entirely—rather than replacing Colbert—signals a potential retreat from the 11:35 p.m. time slot, a move that could prompt other networks like NBC and ABC to follow suit.

Colbert’s show, however, was more than just a ratings juggernaut. It was a platform for sharp political satire, celebrity interviews, and viral moments that often shaped public discourse. From Colbert’s blistering monologues to his star-studded guest list—including Crockett herself, who appeared on the show in May 2025 to discuss her congressional work—the program was a beacon of cultural relevance. Crockett’s defense of Colbert underscores the show’s role in holding power to account, a function she argues is under threat in today’s polarized climate.

Hollywood and Fans Rally Behind Colbert

Crockett’s post was just one of many high-profile reactions to the cancellation. Hollywood heavyweights like Ben Stiller, Adam Scott, and Judd Apatow took to social media to express their dismay. Stiller wrote, “Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have. Wishing all the people who work so hard on that show all the best.” John Oliver, speaking at a minor-league baseball game, called the news “very, very, very sad,” adding, “I’m partly excited to see what they’re going to do for the next 10 months.”

Fans, too, have mobilized, with protests outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, where The Late Show is filmed. One demonstration, titled “Colbert Stays! Trump Must Go!” drew hundreds of supporters, echoing Crockett’s call to action. Social media platforms have been flooded with clips of Colbert’s most memorable moments, from his biting Trump takedowns to his heartfelt interviews with figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda and “Weird Al” Yankovic, who made surprise appearances on the show post-cancellation.

Crockett’s Role in Amplifying the Debate

Jasmine Crockett’s response has elevated her status as a cultural commentator, bridging the gap between politics and entertainment. Her ability to connect with younger audiences through her candid, relatable style has made her a powerful voice in this controversy. By framing the cancellation as an attack on free speech, she has galvanized a movement to question CBS’s motives and rally support for Colbert and his team.

In a follow-up post, Crockett doubled down, writing, “When they try to silence the truth, we get louder. Stephen Colbert’s show was a light in the dark, and CBS just flicked the switch. We’re not done fighting for what’s right. #KeepLateNightAlive.” Her words have inspired fans to launch petitions and boycott campaigns against CBS, with some even calling for advertisers to pull funding from the network.

What’s Next for Colbert and Late-Night TV?

As The Late Show prepares for its final season, speculation abounds about Stephen Colbert’s next move. Industry insiders suggest he could follow in the footsteps of Conan O’Brien, who launched an independent media company after his network tenure ended. Others believe Colbert might pivot to streaming, where his satirical edge could thrive without the constraints of network television. Whatever his path, Crockett’s vocal support has ensured that his legacy—and the fight to preserve late-night’s role in public discourse—remains front and center.

The cancellation also raises questions about the future of other late-night shows. With Trump hinting that Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon could be “next,” the industry faces an uncertain future. Crockett’s fiery response has not only kept the spotlight on The Late Show but also sparked a broader reckoning about the intersection of media, politics, and free expression in an increasingly polarized world.

Conclusion

Jasmine Crockett’s explosive reaction to CBS’s cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has set social media ablaze and reignited debates about the role of late-night television in challenging power. Her viral post, “Love you Stephen, but CBS… y’all can go kick rocks!” captures the frustration of millions who see the decision as a troubling sign of corporate and political influence. As the final season approaches, Crockett’s voice—alongside those of fans, celebrities, and fellow hosts—ensures that Colbert’s legacy will not fade quietly. The fight for late-night’s soul is far from over.