Prominent political figures as well as Hollywood stars have reacted with disgust over the news that 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' will end its run in 2026.

Many questioned the timing of and motivation for the announcement, noting that Mr. Colbert hosted the most-watched show in late night television.

"The Late Show" franchise will "end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season," CBS said.

CBS said in a statement that it was “purely a financial decision.” The show launched with Colbert as host, executive producer and writer a decade ago.

The problem began at the tail end of the station's prime time programming at 9:13 p.m., but it didn't interfere with the 10 p.m. newscast because that's locally generated, Chastain said. The station put up a crawl,

After being welcomed to the late-night show by Letterman successor Stephen Colbert, Phoenix reflected on the awkward 2009 interview, in which he appeared on "The Late Show" sporting long hair, an unruly beard and sunglasses.