In a deeply heartfelt statement over the weekend, Last Week Tonight host John Oliver reacted to the stunning cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, calling the move “incredibly sad” and “a major loss for comedy.” Speaking with reporters following the abrupt announcement, Oliver, 48, paid tribute to both the program and the man behind it — his longtime friend and fellow comedic heavyweight, Stephen Colbert.

“I love Stephen, I love his staff, I love that show — it’s incredibly sad,” Oliver said. “This isn’t just a show going off the air. It’s the end of an era in American comedy.”

The news of the cancellation sent shockwaves through the entertainment world late last week, when CBS confirmed that The Late Show would not be renewed for another season. The decision follows reported budget constraints and shifting network priorities toward streaming and reality content — a trend many comedians have criticized for sidelining legacy programming.

For Oliver, the announcement was personal. Growing up in England, he recalled staying up late to watch The Late Show during David Letterman’s reign, and later feeling honored to appear as a guest on both Letterman’s and Colbert’s iterations of the show.

“It always felt like a glamorous world,” Oliver reflected. “Letterman had this iconic, mysterious energy. Then Stephen came in and gave it a new kind of heart, a new kind of brain. To be a guest on both versions was surreal — and an honor I’ll never forget.”

Since taking over from Letterman in 2015, Colbert successfully transformed the show into a sharp, politically-charged late-night staple. Known for his quick wit, thoughtful interviews, and the ability to tackle difficult topics without losing comedic momentum, Colbert quickly became a defining voice in the Trump and post-Trump eras. Under his leadership, The Late Show regularly topped the late-night ratings, earning critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase.

Though disheartened by the cancellation, Oliver remains hopeful about Colbert’s next chapter.

“That man will not stop,” he said with a smile. “Stephen is too brilliant, too curious, and too passionate to stay quiet for long. I’m excited to see what he does next — whether it’s writing, producing, acting, or something none of us expect. He’s not done. Not by a long shot.”

Industry insiders agree. Though details remain scarce, rumors suggest Colbert may already be in talks for a new creative venture — possibly a streaming project or even a pivot back into political satire, a space where he originally made his name.

As the television landscape continues to shift beneath the feet of traditional broadcasters, fans and peers alike are mourning the loss of another cornerstone of late-night comedy. But for voices like Oliver’s, one thing remains clear: Stephen Colbert’s influence is far from over.

“He’s been one of the most important comedic voices of our time,” Oliver concluded. “The show may be ending — but Stephen? He’s just getting started.”