The worlds of politics and entertainment have reacted with shock and disgust over the surprise news that CBS’ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end its run in 2026.

Colbert began to talk, in measured tones, about how crucial laughter is “in the face of something that you might think is horrible.”

Stephen Colbert was receiving messages of support and affection from his fellow late-night hosts after announcing that CBS was canceling his show, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” next May.