John Oliver has branded the cancellation of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" as an "incredibly poignant loss." When engaged in a conversation with reporters over the weekend, Oliver was prompted to share his perspective on the recent development, which CBS unveiled in an unexpected announcement on Thursday.
"It goes without saying, I adore Stephen, I cherish his team, and I hold the show in the highest regard — this is undeniably heartbreaking," responded Oliver, who hosts "Last Week Tonight." "Part of me is eagerly anticipating what fresh endeavors they undertake over the coming ten months. Yet, this is a devastating blow to the comedy realm."
Oliver and Colbert have both contributed as correspondents on "The Daily Show," albeit not concurrently, and share a camaraderie. Oliver has made numerous appearances on Colbert's show throughout the years. Oliver also reminisced about his childhood days in England, where he religiously tuned into "The Late Show" hosted by David Letterman.
"Late-night television holds a special place in my heart, not merely because I am part of it, but because even during my upbringing in England, I would eagerly watch Letterman's show — which, of course, was once Stephen's turf — and marvel at the allure of that glamorous world," he expressed. "Getting to appear on both Letterman's and Stephen's shows has always been one of the most exhilarating experiences. Hence, this news is profoundly saddening. I am eager to witness Stephen's next venture, for this remarkable individual will never cease to create magic."
Colbert, amidst a live audience taping at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York for Thursday's episode, shared the news with them, prompting boos from the disappointed crowd. He revealed that he had learned of the decision the previous night.
In an official statement, CBS clarified that the cancellation was solely a financial decision amid the competitive late-night landscape. "It bears no relation to the show's performance, content, or any other matters pertaining to Paramount," the statement emphasized.
Meanwhile, "Last Week Tonight" is on a hiatus until July 27. Oliver was in Erie, Pennsylvania, for an engagement, where he interacted with reporters. Erie is the hometown of the newly rebranded minor league baseball team, the Moon Mammoths. The team, formally known as the Erie SeaWolves, will play four games under their new moniker, but the longevity of this name remains uncertain.
"The decision now rests solely with the people of Erie and this team," Oliver stated, according to YourErie.com. "If they prefer to revert to the SeaWolves, this has been an enjoyable detour. Should they opt to embrace the Moon Mammoths indefinitely, so be it."
The renaming is inspired by George Moon's discovery of a mammoth skeleton in Lake Pleasant in 1991. Saturday night's game at UPMC Park drew a record-breaking crowd of 7,070 spectators. Erie Mayor Joe Schember proclaimed the day as Moon Mammoth Day and presented Oliver with a key to the city.
