Stephen Colbert recreates Coldplay kiss cam moment with animated Trump and Paramount logo after The Late Show cancellation

Time of India

22-07-2025

Stephen Colbert returned to The Late Show on Monday (July 21) for the first time since news broke that the long-running chat show, which he's hosted since 2005, will be cancelled in May 2026. While CBS cited declining ratings as the primary reason, many believe the decision was politically motivated, a theory amplified by a post from former US President Donald Trump. Colbert didn't hold back during his return, taking direct jabs at Trump and even spoofing the viral Coldplay Kiss Cam moment, but with a twist involving Trump and Paramount. For context, CBS is owned by Paramount Global.
Stephen Colbert gives Coldplay Kiss Cam a Donald Trump twist
Colbert kicked off his big return on Monday night and was supported by fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, and John Oliver, all showing up unannounced just to have his back. Also in attendance were Adam Sandler, Anderson Cooper, and Christopher McDonald. Jon Stewart and John Oliver.
In one memorable moment from the night, he poked fun at the Coldplay Kiss Cam moment that recently went viral, but with a very pointed twist. He had 'Weird Al' Yankovic and Lin-Manuel Miranda perform Viva la Vida live on set, recreating the Coldplay concert vibe.
As the camera scanned the studio audience, it showed some unexpected and hilarious pairings: Anderson Cooper cosying up to Andy Cohen, Jimmy Fallon sharing a laugh with Seth Meyers, Adam Sandler with Christopher McDonald, and even Jon Stewart and John Oliver getting in on the joke. But the kicker came when the camera cut to an animated Trump hugging the Paramount logo, only to be rejected. Colbert paused the whole thing to say it was just a "purely financial decision," throwing shade at CBS and the official reasoning behind his show's cancellation.
Stephen Colbert recreates the Coldplay kiss cam incident with an animated Donald Trump and the Paramount logo. pic.twitter.com/bhWrlpeYDo
For the unversed, Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon and HR head Kristin Cabot were seen cosying up at Coldplay's Boston concert last week. He has since been fired from the company, though no official reason has been given.
Trump taunts Colbert on Truth Social
A few days before the show aired, Trump posted on social media, gloating about the cancellation. He called Colbert talentless, claimed his ratings were terrible, and even suggested Jimmy Kimmel was next.
🔴President Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to celebrate the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which will end in May 2026. pic.twitter.com/YAoIpwEvtJ
When Colbert read the post out loud on air, he didn't hold back. Looking straight into the camera, he fired back with, 'Go f*** yourself.' Then, referring to Trump's claim that Kimmel was next to go, Colbert joked, 'I'm the martyr here. There's only room for one on this cross.'
CBS had announced earlier that The Late Show would end in May 2026, citing a shift in late-night strategy and declining viewership. The network thanked Colbert for his contributions and called him one of the sharpest voices of his generation.
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