On Wednesday night (December 31), Stephen Colbert appeared on CNN New Year’s Eve Live 2026 to criticize anchors Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, and things went a bit too far.
The late-night host, who spoke via video link from his home in New Jersey, reflected on his turbulent year, which included the cancellation of The Late Show by CBS and its parent company, Paramount (the final episode is set to air in May).
“You’ve experienced a lot in the past year, and I’m interested to know what you learned. What was the most important thing you took away from last year? Colbert was asked by Cohen.
What have I discovered during the previous year? Never put your faith on billionaires! Colbert answered. “Brother, they don’t become wealthy by snatching that cash off the side of the road.”
After Paramount Skydance launched a hostile counteroffer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) worth more than $108 billion last month, Colbert previously made fun of his millionaire bosses.
On the December 9 broadcast of The Late Show, he stated, “Just yesterday, my beloved parent company, Paramount, reportedly launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. valued at $108 billion.” Whoa. I have to admit that my company can definitely afford to reschedule one of their finest performances if they have that type of green.
Prior to Paramount’s counterbid, WBD had previously accepted an offer from Netflix to purchase HBO, HBO Max, and WBD’s film and TV studios.
Speaking of HBO, Colbert, Cohen, and Anderson also touched on the steamy sports drama Heated Rivalry during their shot-taking interview. When Colbert’s wife Evelyn “Evie” McGee-Colbert appeared on screen, Cohen joked, “Evie is the top in their relationship, I found out this year.”
“But I’m a bossy bottom,” Colbert replied.
A shocked Anderson responded, “Has Heated Rivalry made everyone insane?! Is this a Heated Rivalry effect? What is going on?”
The trio also played a spirited game of “Never Have I Ever,” during which Colbert admitted to sometimes forgetting that a celebrity had already appeared on his show.
As Anderson laughed in the background, the comic admitted, “I’ve forgotten they were a guest on my show while they were a guest on my show.” “It’s great to finally talk to you,” I said to a guest, and they responded, “This is my third time on your show.”
“I can’t remember what I asked the guest while they were answering the question,” he continued.
