Stephen Colbert is livid about CBS axing The Late Show With Stephen Colbert — and as the host stares down the May 2026 end of his TV reign, he’s secretly aiming to deliver as much payback as possible on his way out the door,

It’s impossible to ignore the effect that stalwart TV comedians like Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and more have had on younger generations of comedians and writers. Oliver voiced his hope for that cycle of influence to continue on, even if it won’t be the same.