Stephen Colbert is already planning his subsequent profession transfer after The Late Present‘s controversial cancellation.
In the course of the Monday, July 28, episode of his late evening collection, Colbert, 61, joked about venturing into podcasting whereas getting recommendation from Las Culturistas’ Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers.
“I’m going to wish a gig quickly, so promote me on podcasting. Is it enjoyable?” he requested Yang, 34, and Rogers, 35, whereas referencing their podcast being included on TIME’s checklist of the 100 all-time finest podcasts.
Rogers, for his half, joked that their podcast was probably on the backside of the checklist, including, “You begin one, we’re getting bumped. Like nearly definitely.”
He went on to recall being shocked by the podcast’s success since they thought “nobody would hear” after they began recording in 2016.
“That’s what they needed, to attach and listen to a friendship in motion,” he added. “Hear dialog between people who find themselves over-caffeinated.”
Whereas Rogers prompt that Colbert simply maintain it “actual” on a possible podcast, Yang pitched a present that concerned Colbert happening dates along with his spouse, Evelyn “Evie” McGee Colbert.
“Dates with one another, proper?” Colbert requested. In response, Yang quipped, “That’s as much as you. That sounds actually candy to me.”
Colbert’s feedback about his subsequent steps come lower than a month after he confirmed The Late Present was canceled.
“Earlier than we begin the present I need to let you understand one thing that I discovered simply final evening. Subsequent 12 months might be our final season,” Colbert introduced throughout a July taping because the viewers booed. “I share your emotions. It’s not simply the top of our present, but it surely’s the top of The Late Present on CBS. I’m not being changed. That is all simply going away.”
He continued: “I do need to say that the oldsters at CBS have been nice companions. … And I’m grateful to the viewers, you, who’ve joined us each evening, in right here, on the market, and all all over the world.”
Colbert confirmed on the time that CBS “might be ending The Late Present” in Might 2026, however a particular date for the ultimate episode hasn’t been introduced but. CBS executives, in the meantime, launched an announcement addressing their choice, revealing it was not “associated in any option to the present’s efficiency, content material or different issues taking place at Paramount” however was as a substitute as a result of funds.
The Late Present acquired an outpouring of assist as fellow late evening hosts slammed CBS’ choice to drag the plug. Jimmy Kimmel reposted a clip of Colbert’s announcement through his Instagram Story with the caption, “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all of your Sheldons CBS.”
Jimmy Fallon, in the meantime, mentioned he was “simply as shocked as everybody” else.
“Stephen is among the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I actually thought I’d experience this out with him for years to return,” he wrote through Instagram. “I’m unhappy that my household and pals will want a brand new present to look at each evening at 11:30. However actually, he’s actually been a gentleman and a real good friend over time, going again to The Colbert Report, and I’m certain no matter he does subsequent might be simply as sensible.”
Watch What Occurs Reside’s Andy Cohen weighed in as properly, telling Deadline, “I feel it’s a tragic day for late-night tv. I feel it’s a tragic day for CBS. I feel Stephen Colbert is a singular expertise. He’s going to have an unimaginable subsequent chapter.”
Cohen added, “I can’t consider CBS is popping off the lights at 11:30 after the native information. I’m shocked. He’s considered one of three late evening exhibits deemed worthy sufficient for an Emmy nomination. He produces a superb present.”
