Emotions are clearly running high ahead of the last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. On Thursday morning, a vulgar message written outside the Ed Sullivan Theater drew attention from fans as Stephen Colbert prepared to tape his final show.
The message referenced Stephen Colbert, CBS, and Donald Trump, capturing the intense feelings many viewers still have as Colbert prepares to leave late-night television behind (for now).
As seen in a video shared on X, written on the pavement near the theater entrance was a message that read: “Thank you Stephen and f*** you CBS and Donald Trump.” The clip showed someone, likely a member of the theater or maintenance staff, washing the chalk message away shortly before taping began for the final episode of Stephen Colbert’s run on CBS.
AMAZING VIDEO outside Stephen Colbert theater. A chalk message on Broadway in front of the theater, praising Colbert and criticizing President Trump and CBS is washed away. #StephenColbert pic.twitter.com/GPW5eDqSAZ
— Steve Futterman (@sfutterman) May 21, 2026
The message reflected just how personal Colbert’s departure has become for many viewers. While every long-running late-night show eventually comes to an end, fans of The Late Show have struggled to accept this one as a normal television cancellation. Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, and Jay Leno all got to (mostly) go out on their own terms.
But in Colbert's case, many have framed it as the removal of one of the most outspoken political voices on network TV during an unprecedented political moment. That frustration has only intensified because Colbert himself has mostly refused to publicly lash out. So perhaps the fan behind the message thought they were sharing Colbert's inner thoughts, even if the Late Show host has been mostly gracious on the way out the door.
Colbert remains measured when discussing CBS and Paramount’s decision to end the franchise. Rather than fueling conspiracy theories or openly accusing executives of political motivations, Colbert has focused on thanking viewers, celebrating his staff, and appreciating the show’s 11-year run.
Others haven't been so restrained, including the author of the "f*** CBS" message and fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. On Wednesday night, Kimmel openly criticized CBS during an emotional tribute to Colbert and suggested fans boycott the network after the Late Show finale.
There is no evidence that Trump directly forced CBS to cancel The Late Show, and the network has maintained that the decision was financial. Still, that explanation has done little to satisfy fans who watched Colbert become one of Trump’s most relentless critics over the past decade.
Many of those fans likely agree with the profanity left outside of the Ed Sullivan Theater. Few people get the Hollywood ending they deserve, but this feels more like a robbery. Something was taken away from Colbert and from his fans. And when that happens, a certain level of outrage can be expected.
The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs tonight at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS.
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