Jimmy Fallon Reacts to Colbert's 'Late Show' Cancelation

Jimmy Fallon Reacts to Colbert's 'Late Show' Cancelation originally appeared on Parade.

CBS shocked the entertainment world on July 17 when it announced it would be canceling "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in 2026. Late night TV has been on the decline for several years as the industry shifts to streaming, and this decision makes CBS the first of the major networks to exit the late night space entirely. The cancelation was "purely a financial decision," according to the company's statement.

This has left hosts of late night shows on other networks understandably shaken. Are their shows next on the chopping block? Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC's The Tonight Show, reacted to the news on his Instagram Stories.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

“I’m just as shocked as everyone," the SNL alum wrote. "Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. 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.”

AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1csadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2csadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe

Fallon went on to praise his longtime contemporary. “But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years – going back toThe Colbert Report. I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant," he wrote.

The Late Show will run through May 2026, so Colbert has plenty of time to plot his next moves. Since Jon Stewart went back to The Daily Show, perhaps we may see a reboot of The Colbert Report? Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Paul Dinello—hisco-stars from the cult classic TV show Strangers With Candy—are having a live reunion as part of the New York Comedy Festival in November to commemorate the show's 25th anniversary. Maybe we'll even see a Candy reboot.

Jimmy Fallon Reacts to Colbert's 'Late Show' Cancelation first appeared on Parade on Jul 18, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.