John Oliver on the Cancellation of the 'Late Show'
Introduction
John Oliver, the popular host of 'Last Week Tonight', has expressed his sadness over the cancellation of the 'Late Show'. This news has shocked the comedy world and has also left Oliver himself disappointed. He feels that this is a huge loss for the industry.
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter is known for its accurate and up-to-date coverage of the entertainment industry. It has been a trusted source for breaking news and exclusive interviews with top celebrities and figures in the industry. The publication has been following the story of the 'Late Show' cancellation closely and has provided in-depth analysis and reactions from various comedians and late-night hosts.
The Impact
The cancellation of the 'Late Show' is a major blow to the comedy and entertainment industry. It not only affects the cast and crew of the show, but also the wider community of late-night hosts and comedians. John Oliver's comments reflect the sentiment of many in the industry, who are deeply saddened by this news. It remains to be seen how this will impact the landscape of late-night television and who will fill the void left by the 'Late Show'.
About the People Mentioned
John Oliver
John William Oliver (born April 23, 1977, in Birmingham, England) is a British-American comedian, writer, producer, and television host best known for creating and hosting the HBO news satire show *Last Week Tonight with John Oliver* since 2014[1][3]. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the UK before gaining prominence in the United States as the senior British correspondent on *The Daily Show with Jon Stewart* from 2006 to 2013, where he won three Primetime Emmy Awards for writing[1]. He also guest-hosted *The Daily Show* for eight weeks in 2013. Oliver’s *Last Week Tonight* has earned widespread acclaim for its in-depth, satirical examinations of political and social issues, winning over twenty Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards. The show is noted for its influence on public discourse and policy, a phenomenon dubbed the "John Oliver effect"[1][5]. Despite being described as investigative journalism by some, Oliver has rejected that label. In addition to his television work, Oliver has acted in the NBC sitcom *Community* and provided voice roles in animated films such as *The Smurfs* (2011), *The Smurfs 2* (2013), and the 2019 remake of *The Lion King*[1][3]. He also co-hosted the comedy podcast *The Bugle* and hosted *John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show* on Comedy Central from 2010 to 2013[1]. Oliver became a naturalized American citizen in 2019[1]. He is married to Kate Norley, an Army veteran, since 2011, and they have two children[4]. His early career included challenges such as frequent stage failures during stand-up in the UK, which he overcame by focusing on comedy that addressed political and social topics he cared about[2]. As of 2025, *Last Week Tonight* continues to air new episodes on HBO, maintaining Oliver’s relevance as a prominent voice in political satire and commentary[5].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Late Show
The **Late Show** is a landmark American late-night talk show franchise that aired on CBS from August 30, 1993, to its announced conclusion in May 2026. It was created and initially hosted by **David Letterman**, who transitioned from NBC’s *Late Night with David Letterman* to CBS, launching the franchise with a fresh, often irreverent and innovative approach to late-night television. Letterman’s tenure lasted 22 years, during which the show earned multiple Emmy Awards and became known for its blend of humor, celebrity interviews, and musical performances, hosted from the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan[1][2][3]. Letterman’s style was a mix of good-natured humor and sharp wit, occasionally antagonistic, which contributed to memorable feuds with celebrities like Cher and Madonna but was also marked by genuine sincerity linked to his Midwestern roots. Despite initial ratings success, the show’s audience gradually aged and shrank, especially as competitors like *The Tonight Show* and *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* attracted younger viewers[2][3]. In 2015, **Stephen Colbert** succeeded Letterman as host. Colbert brought his background from *The Colbert Report* and *The Daily Show*, known for satirical news and political comedy, to the franchise, aiming to rejuvenate it with sharper political and cultural satire. His version continued broadcasting from the Ed Sullivan Theater and aired four nights a week, featuring a house band led by Jon Batiste and a mix of celebrity guests and topical humor. Colbert’s *Late Show* won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and maintained a solid following, particularly among younger adults[3][5][8]. CBS announced in mid-2025 that the *Late Show* franchise would end in May 2026, marking the close of a significant era in American late-night television that shaped the format and influenced generations of comedians and viewers[1][2]. The show's legacy includes its innovative
Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter (THR) is a leading American entertainment media brand established in 1930 by William R. "Billy" Wilkerson as Hollywood’s first daily trade newspaper. Initially a daily publication, THR was designed to serve the entertainment industry with news, analysis, and gossip, quickly becoming influential in shaping Hollywood careers and industry trends. Wilkerson's use of incisive articles and gossip helped the paper gain notoriety despite opposition from major studios[1][5]. Over the decades, THR evolved from a daily newspaper into a weekly large-format print magazine, complemented by a dynamic and revamped website since 2010. It offers in-depth reporting, thought-provoking reviews, and exclusive features covering film, television, and digital media, targeting both Hollywood insiders and a global audience interested in entertainment business and technology[1][3][7]. Key historical moments include the paper's growth under Wilkerson, who also played a significant role in Hollywood nightlife and real estate, and the transition of leadership to his wife, Tichi Wilkerson Kassel, after his death in 1962. The publication's headquarters in Hollywood, expanded architecturally in 1936, became a landmark symbolizing its longstanding presence in the industry[1][2][6]. Today, The Hollywood Reporter is recognized for its authoritative coverage, featuring world-class photography, video content, and extensive social reach with millions of followers and unique monthly views. Under current leadership, including Editor-in-Chief Maer Roshan and EVP Lori O’Connor, THR sustains its influence through a combination of traditional journalism and digital innovation, making it a vital resource for business and technology professionals tracking entertainment industry dynamics[3]. Notably, THR's blend of historic legacy and modern multimedia presence positions it uniquely as both a chronicler and shaper of entertainment culture, business, and technology trends worldwide.
