Jamie Lee Curtis Suggests Political Motive Behind Stephen Colbert’s Cancellation

Stephen Colbert shocked fans and the entertainment industry alike this week with a surprise announcement that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will come to an end in May 2026.

The announcement sent shockwaves across Hollywood and beyond, with many seeing the move as yet another sign of the changing late-night TV landscape.

But for others, it was viewed as something even more pointed, especially since Stephen Colbert's announcement came shortly after the late-night host made a controversial joke about the president.

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis responded with a fiery message, suggesting the cancellation may be politically motivated.

“It’s bad, he’s a great, great guy,” she wrote. “Yes, they’re trying to silence people, but it won’t work. It won’t work. We will just get louder.”

While Curtis didn’t name names, her comment echoed concerns shared by others that "The Late Show"’s end may be linked to mounting political pressure, particularly from allies of Donald Trump. Colbert has long been one of the former president’s most vocal late-night critics, delivering nightly monologues that often take aim at Trump and his policies.

Jamie Lee Curtis has long been outspoken about her political beliefs, particularly when it comes to President Donald Trump.

Over the years, she has used her platform to advocate for progressive causes and speak out against what she views as threats to democracy. During the most recent presidential election, Curtis delivered a passionate call to action on social media, urging her followers to “wake up and fight.”

She emphasized the importance of standing up for women, children, and future generations, and encouraged Americans to resist tyranny “one day at a time. One fight at a time. One protest at a time.”

The show’s cancellation comes amid increasing tension between Trump and the media.

Around the same time as Colbert’s announcement, the president filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, its parent company NewsCorp, and several individuals, including Rupert Murdoch. The suit stems from reporting on alleged birthday letters tied to Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump claims were used to falsely link him to the disgraced financier.

While speculation surrounding the sudden cancellation circulates, according to network execs, the decision has nothing to do with ratings or controversy.

"This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night," George Cheeks, CBS' president and co-chief executive of CBS parent company Paramount, said in a statement. "It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount."

While CBS insists Colbert’s cancellation is due to financial reasons, many believe the timing is no coincidence, especially with Paramount, CBS’s parent company, facing scrutiny over recent settlements and its ongoing merger talks with Skydance Media.

News of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" ending in 2026 sent ripples across the entertainment world, prompting emotional responses from fellow late-night hosts and media personalities.

Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s "The Tonight Show," shared his shock and sadness on Instagram. “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it," the comedian said. "I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30.”

Seth Meyers, host of "Late Night," offered a heartfelt and humorous tribute. “For as great a comedian and host (as) he is, @stephenathome is an even better person," he wrote. "I’m going to miss having him on TV every night, but I’m excited he can no longer use the excuse that he’s ‘too busy to hang out’ with me.”

Andy Cohen, the outspoken host of "Watch What Happens Live," didn’t hold back in his criticism of CBS’s decision, expressing, “It is a very sad day for CBS that they are getting out of the late-night race. I mean, they are turning off the lights after the news.”

As Colbert prepares for his final season, fans and industry insiders alike are bracing for what comes next in the ever-evolving and increasingly politicized landscape of late-night television.