Rachel Zegler expresses sadness over 'Late Show' cancellation, commenting: "I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen."
CBS has announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after a decade of broadcasts, leaving fans and entertainers alike stunned. Host Stephen Colbert revealed during a July 17 taping that the program’s final episode will air in May 2026, attributing the decision to financial challenges faced by late-night television.
Industry Voices Express Disbelief and Sadness Over the Show’s End
Several artists publicly shared their dismay following the announcement. Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth expressed a simple but heartfelt “NOOOO!!!” on Colbert’s Instagram, while Rachel Zegler, known for her role in West Side Story, wrote,
“i am extremely sad. i adore you, stephen.”
Charlamagne tha God suggested political factors may have influenced the cancellation, commenting,
“Paramount bending the knee to authoritarian strategy. I guess it’s Make America North Korea now!!! Appreciate you Always SC!!!”
Lauren Benanti, who portrayed Melania Trump on the show, called Colbert “The greatest of them all,” and Questlove shared a subtle reaction with a side-eye emoji on social media.
Network Statement Emphasizes Financial Motives, Denies Political Influence
CBS stressed that the cancellation was a purely financial matter amid a difficult late-night environment and stated there will be no replacement host for the show. The network added,
“We are proud that Stephen called CBS home,”
and praised the program as part of
“the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”
Still, the timing has raised suspicions among some viewers and politicians. Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the proximity of the cancellation to Colbert’s public criticism of CBS’s parent company Paramount’s $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, tweeting,
Image of: Rachel Zegler
“CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump — a deal that looks like bribery,”
and adding,
“America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.”
Loss Felt Across the Music and Entertainment Communities
The end of The Late Show represents more than just the end of a talk show; it signals the loss of a key platform for up-and-coming musicians. The series has been instrumental in showcasing new talent, including artists like Doechii and Gracie Abrams, early in their careers. The cancellation creates a void in late-night programming that supported both comedy and musical performances.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Late-Night Television and Stephen Colbert’s Legacy
With the show concluding in 2026, the future of CBS’s late-night programming remains uncertain, as the network has confirmed no plans to continue the franchise with another host. For Stephen Colbert, this marks the closing chapter of a significant era that began a decade ago when he took over hosting duties from David Letterman. The impact of his tenure will be remembered both for its sharp political commentary and its cultural contributions within late-night television.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot get along?
A. Gadot portrays the Evil Queen in the live-action remake. According to a source, she feels “annoyed by the movie drama.” Gadot liked making the film and got along with Rachel, yet they are not friends.
Q. Did Disney fire Rachel Zegler?
A. There have been rumors, but Rachel Zegler is still working with Disney. The live-action Snow White came out on schedule, though it faced controversy from the start.
Q. What did Jennifer Lawrence say to Rachel Zegler?
A. Rachel Zegler mentioned that when she initially met Jennifer Lawrence, Lawrence humorously suggested they pose for a picture where she pretends to choke Zegler while claiming, “You’ll never take my role.”
