Celebrities and late-night hosts have rallied behind Stephen Colbert, who is set to lose his position as host of CBS’s ‘The Late Show’ as of May 2026. The network announced the decision, citing financial challenges in the late-night television landscape, but critics have suggested the cancellation may have political undercurrents. Anderson Cooper, a CNN anchor and CBS’s ’60, Minutes’ correspondent, joined the show to express his support for Colbert, criticizing both the parent company, Paramount, and former President Donald Trump.
The segment, which featured a lighthearted performance of Coldplay’s ‘Viva la Vida’ by Weird Al Yankovic and Lin-Manuel Miranda, aimed to uplift the audience as Colbert prepares for the end of his tenure on the show. During the event, Cooper was seen looking at his phone, a moment that caught the attention of Bravo host Andy Cohen, who reacted with enthusiasm before sharing a brief, affectionate kiss with Cooper. This led to a moment of disbelief on Cooper’s part, highlighting the informal atmosphere of the event.
Colbert also took the opportunity to mock CBS’s financial reasoning, noting that ‘The Late Show’ reportedly costs the network $40 million annually. The show also addressed the recent settlement between Paramount and former President Donald Trump’s election interference lawsuit, with Colbert expressing criticism over the deal. As Paramount awaits approval for its merger with Skydance Media, the future of its late-night programming remains uncertain.
While the segment was light-hearted, Cooper’s involvement is noteworthy as it poked fun at both the corporate parent of CBS News and former President Trump, whom Cooper is tasked with covering for CNN. The show was also a platform for Colbert to address the political implications of the cancellation, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Critics have raised questions about the network’s financial decisions, as well as its political alignment, which continues to spark debate among media and entertainment observers.