Bob Odenkirk recently gave his take on the upcoming end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. While discussing the cancellation during a Comic-Con interview, Odenkirk compared Colbert’s future to Conan O’Brien.
Bob Odenkirk praises Stephen Colbert after Late Show cancellation
Bob Odenkirk has spoken out about the recent cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. While promoting Nobody 2 during an appearance at Entertainment Weekly’s San Diego Comic-Con video studio, the Better Call Saul star addressed the controversy surrounding the show’s abrupt end.
Responding to CBS’s statement that the cancellation was “purely a financial decision,” Odenkirk said, “I can’t make out the political side of this versus the economic side of it. I do know that viewing patterns have shifted.”
Despite the show being scheduled to end in 2026, Odenkirk shared he isn’t worried about Colbert’s next career move. He said, “Here’s the one thing I’m not remotely concerned about: not having Stephen Colbert do excellent work for the rest of his life as long as he wants to.” The actor also added that Colbert could easily find success through a new network, platform, or personal venture.
Odenkirk further drew comparisons between Colbert’s situation and that of Conan O’Brien, with whom he collaborated before. He explained, “It’s not gonna be unlike Conan O’Brien, who you can see every day, all you want. He’s gonna make stuff, ’cause Stephen is a creator, and a genius, and his voice is pure and wonderful.”
The actor also questioned whether the traditional late-night format has run its course. “Maybe that format has kind of run its time?” he said, suggesting that lesser late-night shows might even benefit remaining shows. He added, “But I know Stephen — we’re gonna see lots more of Stephen.”
Meanwhile, the cancellation of The Late Show sparked backlash among fans and Hollywood. On July 23, demonstrators gathered outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York to protest the decision. Colbert has also received support from the entertainment world, including Sandra Oh, John Oliver, and Jimmy Kimmel.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
