During a July 17 taping, Colbert announced the cancellation of The Late Show. Colbert, who took over from David Letterman as host in September 2015, said he was "grateful" for being given a chair and a "beautiful theater to call home," as well as his viewers from "all around the world."

Far from being silenced, Colbert has not shied away from criticizing the Trump administration since the show’s cancellation. Last week he launched a new “spoiled baby emperor” character based on the vice president called “Widdle Pwince Vance.”

Batiste joined The Late Show family in 2015 when Colbert took over for the series’ former host, David Letterman. He acted as the show’s bandleader and musical director until he left in 2022 to further pursue his personal music career. Louis Cato took over Batiste’s role later that year and continues to serve as The Late Show ‘s bandleader.