As Stephen Colbert prepares to bid farewell to The Late Show in May 2026, a bold prediction from comedian Roy Wood Jr. has set the internet ablaze: Colbert is expected to emerge as a dominant anti-Trump voice on YouTube next year. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival on August 20, 2025, Wood, host of CNN’s Have I Got News For You, suggested that Colbert, free from network constraints, could “run rampant” on the platform, building a massive audience and challenging the Trump administration in 2026. This forecast, coupled with Colbert’s recent fiery monologues, has sparked excitement and debate about his next chapter, positioning him as a potential digital disruptor in a polarized political landscape.

Colbert’s exit from CBS, announced in July 2025, came amid controversy, with many linking the cancellation to Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview. Despite CBS citing financial losses of $40 million annually, the timing—days after Colbert called the settlement a “big fat bribe”—fueled speculation of political pressure. Wood’s prediction sees Colbert leveraging this narrative, with the comedian noting, “God bless whatever Stephen does next year with no network person to give him notes.” He suggested that, like Don Lemon’s post-CNN YouTube pivot, Colbert could become a “bigger issue” for Trump by building an unfiltered platform.

Colbert’s recent actions support this vision. His July 21 monologue, where he told Trump to “go f— yourself” after the president celebrated The Late Show’s cancellation, drew nearly 10 million YouTube views, the channel’s biggest hit since 2018. This viral moment, coupled with his history of sharp satire, positions him to thrive online. Unlike competitors Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, whose YouTube clips average higher views, Colbert’s 2.4 million nightly TV audience and top late-night ratings suggest a loyal following ready to migrate.

YouTube offers Colbert freedom from network oversight, a prospect Wood believes could amplify his anti-Trump rhetoric. Posts on X echo this, with fans speculating, “Colbert unleashed on YouTube? Trump’s in trouble!” Others see it as a natural evolution, noting his Colbert Report roots and 2006 White House Correspondents’ Dinner roast of George W. Bush. Yet, challenges loom: YouTube’s algorithm favors short, viral content, and Colbert’s long-form monologues may need tweaking. Critics also warn that his liberal stance could alienate some viewers, though his knack for blending humor with moral clarity—seen in his South Park PSA praise—suggests adaptability.

The prediction aligns with a shifting media landscape, where late-night TV struggles against streaming platforms. Wood cautioned that American journalists often avoid risking careers for political stands, but Colbert’s exit could free him to lead a digital resistance. As he nears his CBS sign-off, his guest role in Elsbeth and Netflix quip hint at a multifaceted future. Whether he becomes YouTube’s anti-Trump torchbearer remains to be seen, but Colbert’s wit and resolve make him a contender to redefine online political satire.