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On a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program, Stephen Colbert<\/strong> shared a personal moment regarding the cancellation of his show, The Late Show<\/em>. He revealed that he learned about this decision during a lengthy phone call with his manager, James Dixon<\/strong>.
Dixon held off on sharing the news for nearly a week to allow Colbert to enjoy his vacation without the added stress. Colbert vividly recounted the unexpected revelation and the responsibility he felt to communicate it to his staff.
The phone call that changed everything<\/h2>
Colbert’s ordeal began with a two-and-a-half-hour conversation with Dixon. He noted his surprise at the call’s duration, which focused entirely on the future of his show. The shock of the news left him grappling with the pressure of delivering such sensitive information to his team.
When he returned home, he confided in his wife, who encouraged him to inform his staff as soon as possible.
A supportive push from his wife
His wife made her viewpoint unmistakably clear: “You need to tell the staff tomorrow.” Colbert reflected on his initial reluctance, weighing whether to delay the announcement until after the summer break.
However, his wife remained determined, declaring she would accompany him to the studio the next day to ensure he followed through. As he rode the elevator to his office, he felt the perspiration soaking through his shirt, anxious about the moment he would reveal the news.
Breaking the news to the team
To mitigate the emotional impact on his crew during filming, Colbert initially chose to confide only in the executive producers. After the show was recorded, he assembled everyone, instructing them to remain in place.
“Nobody leave. We have one more act of the show,” he announced, despite his stage manager insisting that the show had ended. Colbert stood his ground, emphasizing that he had an important message to deliver.
Challenges of delivering news without a script
Returning to the stage caused significant anxiety, particularly without the support of a teleprompter. Colbert noted that the audience appeared uncertain at first, responding with laughter that suggested they thought it was a setup for a joke. However, as he began to convey the seriousness of the situation, the laughter subsided and the reality became apparent. “I was incredibly anxious about this,” he stated. “There was nothing scripted to rely on, and I stumbled over my words multiple times.” The audience’s initial encouragement shifted to a hushed silence as he ultimately disclosed the gravity of the circumstances.
Cancellation announcement reflects on its impact
Stephen Colbert’s recent remarks revealed a profound sense of vulnerability during the announcement of his show’s cancellation. He described the moment when he delivered the news, stating, “I remember the moment when I got to the crucial sentence informing them of what was happening, and the room fell silent.” This moment underscored the weight of the announcement, affecting not only Colbert but also his entire team.
Following the announcement, CBS confirmed the cancellation of The Late Show after the upcoming season. The network cited financial reasons for this decision. Analysts suggested that this move might be part of a larger strategy aimed at simplifying regulatory challenges as CBS’s parent company, Paramount, prepares to merge with Skydance Media.
In a recent segment, Colbert highlighted the personal dynamics of late-night television. He addressed the emotional hurdles faced by the industry during significant transitions. As the entertainment landscape evolves, the bonds within production teams become increasingly important. Colbert’s narrative serves as a thoughtful reminder of the intricate challenges that often unfold behind the scenes.
