ENTERTAINMENT
New York host Stephen Colbert ends social media silence
PUBLISHED Jul 20, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
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Stephen Colbert resurfaced on social media on July 19, 2026, posting for the first time since CBS permanently cancelled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The Instagram post marked the seventh birthday of his dog, Benny, a frequent presence on the program since 2019, and was captioned, “Happy 7th Birthday, Benny.” It was Colbert’s first public communication in nearly two months and drew strong engagement from fans expressing support and disappointment over the show’s end. CBS announced the cancellation in July 2025 for financial reasons, and the final broadcast aired in May 2026, concluding the franchise’s more than 30-year run.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2015 Colbert succeeds David Letterman as host
- 2019 Benny begins regular appearances on show
- 2024 Paramount settles disputed 60 Minutes interview
- Jul 2025 CBS announces Late Show cancellation
- Jul 2025 Trump posts celebrating Colbert firing
- May 2026 The Late Show airs final broadcast
- Two months ago Colbert last communicated publicly
- Jul 19 2026 Colbert posts birthday tribute to Benny
News Intelligence
- Stephen Colbert's return to social media marks a new chapter for the beloved host after the end of his long-running show. If you're a fan, it's a chance to reconnect and show support. If you're in the entertainment industry, it's a reminder of the financial pressures even successful shows face.
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