John Lithgow Pens Poem for Stephen Colbert as ‘Late Show’ Ends

As CBS prepares to sign off on The Late Show, the outpouring of appreciation for Stephen Colbert continues. Following Jimmy Fallon’s musical tribute, actor and playwright John Lithgow delivered a heartfelt poem dedicated to the departing host, a moment Lithgow insisted Colbert experience “in front of everybody.” The poem, titled “The Mighty Colbert,” landed during a particularly poignant time for late-night television, as the network’s decision to end the show has sparked industry-wide reflection.

Lithgow’s poem, read aloud on The Late Show, didn’t shy away from addressing the circumstances surrounding its cancellation. “The time has arrived/ For us all to prepare/ For the doleful departure of Stephen Colbert,” Lithgow began, setting a somber tone. He continued, questioning the decision: “So why is he canceled?/ Why trash all the pleasure?/ Why yank off the air this beloved national treasure?” The poem pointedly attributed the cancellation to “a boss with thin skin and no laughter,” a clear reference to former Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish and his reported strained relationship with Colbert, particularly following the host’s pointed jokes about the company’s business decisions.

However, Lithgow’s tribute wasn’t solely focused on the show’s ending. He offered a hopeful outlook for Colbert’s future, concluding, “But don’t mourn for Stephen/ He’s going to be fine/ He’ll only get better/ Like aging fine wine/ With a talent so rich and discernment so rare/ There’s much more to come from the mighty Colbert.”

A Career Simultaneously Winding Down and Ramping Up

The timing of these tributes, and the show’s impending finale on May 21st, comes as CBS cites financial pressures as the primary driver behind the decision. In a statement released last year, CBS acknowledged Colbert’s significant contribution, stating, “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television.” Entertainment Weekly reported on the network’s sentiment, emphasizing the purely financial nature of the decision.

Colbert himself addressed the cancellation on air, acknowledging the situation with characteristic grace. “I’m not being replaced. Here’s all just going away. I do want to say that the folks of CBS have been great partners,” he stated. He further elaborated on the situation at the 2026 Writers Guild Awards, where he received the Walter Bernstein Award, wryly commenting, “Evidently, the revolution was losing, like, $40 million a year — it had to go. I hear the revolution is thinking about starting a Substack.” Rolling Stone covered his remarks, highlighting his pointed critique of Paramount’s business choices.

Interestingly, while one chapter of Colbert’s career is closing, another is simultaneously unfolding. Lithgow, appearing on The Late Show to promote his current Broadway role in Giant, where he portrays Roald Dahl, also noted his upcoming role as Albus Dumbledore in the HBO series adaptation of the Harry Potter novels. Lithgow described juggling these two significant projects at 80 years ancient as “exhausting but exhilarating.”

The Broader Context of Late Night and Network Finances

The cancellation of The Late Show isn’t an isolated incident. The late-night landscape has been undergoing significant shifts, driven by changing viewership habits and financial pressures on traditional broadcast networks. The rise of streaming platforms and digital content has fragmented audiences, making it increasingly challenging for late-night shows to maintain their viewership numbers. This has led to cost-cutting measures across the industry, impacting shows like Colbert’s.

The situation at Paramount Global, specifically, has been marked by internal turmoil and strategic shifts. Bob Bakish’s departure as CEO earlier this year signaled a desire for change within the company, and the decision to end The Late Show appears to be part of a broader effort to streamline operations and focus on more profitable ventures. Social media commentary surrounding the show’s cancellation reflects a sense of loss among fans, with many expressing concern about the future of late-night television.

What’s Next for Colbert and the Late-Night Format?

While the future of The Late Show franchise remains uncertain, Colbert’s career is far from over. His upcoming role as Dumbledore in the highly anticipated HBO series offers a recent avenue for his talents, and his continued presence in the entertainment industry is assured. The question remains, however, what the cancellation of The Late Show signifies for the broader late-night format. Will other shows face similar fates as networks grapple with financial challenges and changing viewership patterns? Or will late-night television locate a way to adapt and thrive in the evolving media landscape?

For now, the focus remains on celebrating Colbert’s legacy and appreciating the contributions he has made to comedy and television. Lithgow’s poem serves as a fitting tribute to a “beloved national treasure,” and a reminder of the impact he has had on audiences for over a decade.