Jamie Lee Curtis Speaks Out on CBS Canceling The Late Show: “It’s Awful”

When CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the news sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. While the network insisted that the move was “purely a financial decision,” the backlash was immediate — and one of the strongest voices to weigh in came from Hollywood legend Jamie Lee Curtis. The actress, a longtime supporter and close friend of Colbert, did not mince words about the decision, calling it “awful” and “a blow to culture itself.”

CBS Announces Colbert’s Departure

In a formal statement, CBS confirmed that The Late Show franchise will officially end in May 2026, retiring along with Colbert. The network praised the comedian, calling him “irreplaceable” and placing him in the “pantheon of greats that graced late-night television.”

“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise in May of 2026,” the network said.
“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

While CBS attempted to frame the cancellation as a pragmatic step amid tightening budgets and shifting viewer habits, fans and celebrities alike were quick to question the move. After all, Colbert remains one of the most influential figures in late-night television, with a loyal fanbase and a record of delivering sharp cultural commentary.

Jamie Lee Curtis: “It’s Awful”

Speaking ahead of her upcoming interview with Colbert, Jamie Lee Curtis broke her silence on the decision. “It’s awful,” she said bluntly. “Stephen Colbert has not only been a late-night host, he’s been a cultural voice of reason, humor, and truth. To lose that platform — even for financial reasons — feels like we are losing more than just a show.”

Curtis, who has appeared on The Late Show multiple times over the years, emphasized how important Colbert’s voice has been in bridging humor with humanity. “I think about the moments where he’s interviewed politicians, activists, authors, and just everyday people. He has this gift of listening while making you laugh. That’s rare. It’s a kind of cultural service.”

Her comments resonated deeply with fans who took to social media to express outrage and disappointment. Many echoed her words, pointing out that CBS’s reasoning seemed hollow considering Colbert’s continued popularity.

Financial Struggles in Late Night

CBS’s insistence that the cancellation was “purely financial” has reignited a larger conversation about the state of late-night television. Across networks, traditional talk shows have struggled to maintain viewership in the age of streaming and social media clips. Audiences increasingly consume highlights on YouTube or TikTok rather than watching full episodes live.

Analysts note that producing nightly shows with high production value, celebrity guests, and large studio crews has become a costly investment with diminishing returns. “It’s not that Colbert wasn’t performing,” explained one media analyst. “It’s that the economics of late-night are changing. Networks are prioritizing scripted streaming content and cutting costs in traditional broadcast.”

Still, fans argue that Colbert represented one of the strongest remaining voices in late-night, making CBS’s decision all the more baffling.

A Career Worth Celebrating

Since taking over The Late Show in 2015 after David Letterman’s retirement, Colbert has carved out a unique legacy. Known for his sharp political satire, emotional interviews, and comedic monologues, he turned the show into both a source of laughter and a place for national reflection during turbulent times.

Jamie Lee Curtis pointed out that Colbert’s impact extends beyond ratings. “He made us laugh, but he also made us think,” she said. “He reminded us that comedy doesn’t have to be shallow. It can be healing, it can be confronting, it can be revolutionary.”

What’s Next for Colbert?

Speculation is already swirling about Colbert’s future after CBS. Some predict he could move to a streaming platform, following in the footsteps of other media giants who have found new life beyond traditional TV. Others wonder if he might shift toward producing, writing, or even launching an independent digital project.

Curtis, however, believes Colbert’s voice will not be silenced. “Stephen isn’t done. He’s too important to our culture. Wherever he goes next, people will follow.”

Fans React

The announcement and Curtis’s remarks have ignited a storm online. Hashtags like #SaveColbert and #KeepTheLateShow have trended across platforms, with fans posting clips of their favorite interviews and comedy moments. Many argue that CBS should reconsider or find alternative funding strategies before retiring such an iconic program.

The End of an Era

Whether CBS’s decision stands or not, one thing is clear: the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert marks the end of an era in American late-night television. For many, it feels like more than just a business decision; it’s the loss of a trusted voice.

Jamie Lee Curtis’s reaction captures the sentiment of millions: “It’s awful. But maybe it’s also the beginning of something new for Stephen. If anyone can rise from this, it’s him.”