Story perspectives

John Lithgow Leads Tributes as Colbert Exits CBS

3/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Actor John Lithgow honored Stephen Colbert (TV host) on The Late Show and expressed dismay at Colbert's departure from CBS after ten years.
Lithgow read a poem praising Colbert's work and suggested the cancellation stems from corporate pressures.
Other guests, including Bette Midler and Drew Barrymore, paid tributes to Colbert.
Critics argue that Colbert deserves better treatment.
As Colbert prepares for his next chapter, the prolonged celebration may feel anticlimactic.

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Story summary

Actor John Lithgow honored Stephen Colbert (TV host) on The Late Show and expressed dismay at Colbert's departure from CBS after ten years.
Lithgow read a poem praising Colbert's work and suggested the cancellation stems from corporate pressures.
Other guests, including Bette Midler and Drew Barrymore, paid tributes to Colbert.
Critics argue that Colbert deserves better treatment.
As Colbert prepares for his next chapter, the prolonged celebration may feel anticlimactic.