As news of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert preparing for its final curtain call sweeps across the entertainment world, fellow late-night host John Oliver is offering a rare and surprisingly heartfelt take on the impending end—and what it might mean for Colbert’s future.

During a recent backstage conversation, Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, didn’t hold back his admiration—or his excitement. “Now that he’s stepping away from the network grind, I think we’re about to see the most unfiltered version of Stephen Colbert yet,” he said. “And honestly, I can’t wait.”

While the official reason for the show’s hiatus hasn’t been fully disclosed, whispers inside CBS hint at declining ratings, budget pressures, and a shifting late-night landscape. But fans and colleagues alike aren’t mourning just yet—instead, they’re bracing for what’s next.

Colbert, who originally rose to stardom with his razor-sharp satirical persona on The Colbert Report, transitioned into a more traditional hosting role when he took over The Late Show in 2015. Though he retained his wit, the shift to network television meant navigating corporate guidelines and broader audience expectations.

Now, with the show winding down, Oliver believes we may see Colbert return to the unfiltered boldness that made him a household name. “There’s a wildness to him,” Oliver noted. “People forget how fearless he was in the early days. I hope we get that back—and maybe something entirely new.”

Oliver isn’t alone in his anticipation. Fellow late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon have also expressed support for Colbert, with Fallon calling him “the smartest guy in the room” and Meyers jokingly offering him a “seat at the comedy afterparty.”

But behind the jokes and praise is a more serious tone. The cancellation of a major late-night staple like The Late Show signals a deeper shift in how audiences consume political humor and cultural commentary. With younger viewers turning to shorter clips, social media, and streaming platforms, the traditional format is facing mounting pressure to evolve—or bow out.

Still, if anyone can adapt, it’s Colbert. Known for his intellect, compassion, and biting comedic timing, he’s spent years navigating tense political moments, national tragedies, and cultural reckonings—all with a sense of moral clarity that resonated deeply with his audience.

The question now is: what will he do next?

Some speculate a return to a more personal, digital format. Others hope for a long-awaited comedy tour or even a streaming show with no filters or time constraints. Whatever it is, John Oliver is betting it’ll be bold.

“We haven’t seen the last of Stephen Colbert,” he said. “We might be seeing the real one next.”

Whether that’s behind a new desk, a podcast mic, or live on stage, one thing is certain—the world isn’t done laughing with (or being challenged by) Stephen Colbert just yet.