Stephen Colbert Mocks CBS Cancellation, Channels ‘JD Vance’ and Jokes: “Netflix, Call Me — I’m Free in June!”

CBS Cancels The Late Show: Colbert Turns News Into Comedy Gold

Stephen Colbert is leaning into humor as CBS’ decision to cancel The Late Show looms — and he’s not shy about pitching himself to other platforms right from his own stage.

Colbert’s ‘Wittle Pwince Vance’ Skit Goes Viral

During Thursday night’s final taping before summer hiatus, Colbert couldn’t resist poking fun at a recent Daily Beast report about Vice President JD Vance allegedly ordering the water level of an Ohio river to be raised for his birthday boat trip.

“This is such an outrageous, spoiled-emperor move that I can’t help but introduce my new character: Wittle Pwince Vance,” Colbert said in a baby voice, pulling out a mask of Vance’s face topped with a crown. “Hear ye, hear ye! Raise my wiver for my birthday! Paint the sky red! And give me my juice box.” When a staffer handed him a juice box, Colbert took the gag further: “Not fruit juice — apple! Off with his head!”

Colbert Jokes About Future on Netflix and Amazon

Removing the mask, Colbert deadpanned, “Netflix, call me. I’m available in June.” He then doubled down: “Amazon, I’ll take your calls too.”

The Late Show is set to end in May 2026, just months after Paramount — CBS’ parent company — reached a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a dispute involving 60 Minutes. Officially, CBS insists the decision was financial, not political, but speculation has been rampant that Colbert’s frequent jabs at Trump might have played a role.

Trump vs. Colbert: The Ratings and Talent Debate

Colbert also addressed Trump directly during his monologue, showing a clip of the former president declaring, “Colbert has no talent. Fallon has no talent. Kimmel has no talent. They’re next — they’re going to be gone. I hear they’re going to be going… and Colbert has better ratings than Kimmel or Fallon.”

“I knew that,” Colbert replied as the audience erupted in cheers. “But to be fair, I think we’re all equally untalented.” He then thanked Trump for “agreeing to be in our new promo” before airing a spoof commercial boasting, “Colbert is No. 1 in late night — just ask our elderly viewers.” The spot ended with the show’s logo stamped: Still Canceled!