Stephen Colbert Says He Might Leave the U.S. After Firing: “Now I Understand Rosie and Ellen”
The late-night world was rocked this week after Stephen Colbert revealed he is seriously considering leaving the United States in the wake of his firing from CBS. For nearly ten years, Colbert anchored The Late Show, blending comedy, satire, and heartfelt commentary into one of the most influential voices on American television. But now, after what he described as a “gut punch,” the comedian says he is unsure whether his future still belongs in the country he has spent so long critiquing—and celebrating.
“I Get It Now”
In a raw interview following his dismissal, Colbert admitted he finally understands why entertainers like Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres chose to step away.
“Now I understand why Rosie and Ellen left,” he said, his voice heavy. “Sometimes you just have to get out.”
For Colbert, whose career has been defined by tackling controversy head-on, the remark was shocking. His comedy has always been rooted in patriotism and a love for democracy, but his comments underscored just how painful the firing has been.
Why CBS Let Him Go
Officially, CBS executives called his departure part of a “strategic realignment.” Behind the scenes, though, sources suggest years of tension. Colbert’s sharp political satire, while beloved by audiences, often clashed with the network’s cautious approach and advertiser concerns. His willingness to confront power—whether political or corporate—may have cost him the very platform that made him famous.
Drawing Parallels with Rosie and Ellen
By invoking Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, Colbert tied his situation to a broader pattern. Both women, who dominated daytime television in their time, eventually withdrew not only from their shows but from public life in America altogether, retreating abroad after years of scrutiny and backlash.
“I thought I understood what they went through,” Colbert reflected. “But you don’t really get it until it happens to you—until you’re pushed out of the thing you love and left wondering what comes next.”
Fans and Colleagues Rally
The announcement left fans stunned. Social media erupted with hashtags like #WeStandWithColbert and #LateNightLoss, as viewers described how his nightly monologues helped them endure some of the nation’s most turbulent years.
Fellow comedians rushed to his defense. Seth Meyers called him “the conscience of late-night,” while Samantha Bee declared, “We cannot afford to lose voices like Stephen’s—not to firing, and not to exile.” Even lawmakers chimed in, with one senator calling him “a national treasure who told the truth even when it stung.”
The Struggle Behind the Jokes
Colbert admitted that the abrupt end left him questioning his place not only in television but in America itself.
“When you spend your life holding a mirror up to this country and then realize maybe it doesn’t want to look anymore… it hurts,” he confessed.
For a man who often described himself as fiercely patriotic, the idea of leaving is a sign of how deep the wound runs.
What Comes Next?
Colbert has not yet announced his next move. Some believe he may retreat abroad, possibly to Europe or Canada. Others think he’ll reinvent himself on streaming platforms, podcasts, or independent media—spaces where his voice could remain unfiltered. Industry insiders agree on one thing: his influence is too great to disappear for long.
A Legacy That Lasts
From The Colbert Report to The Late Show, Colbert has redefined what political comedy can be. He proved that jokes can comfort and challenge in equal measure, and that laughter itself can be a form of resistance.
“Whether this is goodbye or just a pause, I hope people remember why I did this,” Colbert told reporters. “I tried to make them laugh. I tried to make them think. And I tried to make this country a little better—one joke at a time.”
Whatever he decides, Stephen Colbert leaves behind more than a late-night career. He leaves a legacy of fearless satire, heartfelt storytelling, and a reminder that comedy can be both a weapon and a balm in difficult times.