Any surefire expectations one might have had for the back half of the 2025 TV schedule went out the stage set’s decorative window panels when CBS shockingly canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ahead of what would have been the titular comedian’s 11th season behind the desk. Though the late night staple still has a year left, the decision has left many entertainers fuming and confused, with clashing reports about why the show is ending. Then along came Jon Stewart.
I’m sure wasn’t alone in expecting The Daily Show’s most celebrated host to have a pointed opinion about The Late Show’s confirmed demise, and Stewart did not disappoint during his latest appearance. Although it should also surprise no one that he started his fevered speech off not with a bang or a whimper, but with a joke. Addressing the cancellation to a wall of audience jeers, Stewart said:
[waves away audience’s booing] In this case, I’ll allow it.
Cue Jon Stewart’s cheeky mug:
David Letterman’s Late Show mastery. But then the good vibes turn to sour grapes as the cancellation is once again addressed.
Donald Trump, stemming largely from POTUS’ recently settled lawsuit against 60 Minutes, as a major factor, with the idea being that the network is scrubbing content that could be skewed as politically subversive.
Then rather unnaturally, the frontman temporarily launches into a spoken-word rendition of Bob Seger’s “We’ve Got Tonight” before revealing a six-piece choir behind the curtains. And I’d be viewers have never heard a more soulful rendition of the phrase “Go fuck yourself,” that what played out.
If anyone manages to miscontrue Jon Stewart’s message here, I don’t want that person to be in charge of anything important.
The entire June 21 installment of The Daily Show can be streamed below, with the Late Show-related reactions happening around the 16:30 mark.
Watch On
The Daily Show airs weeknights on Comedy Central at 11:00 p.m. ET, with Jon Stewart popping in every Monday. Past episodes can be streamed with a Paramount+ subscription.