Introducing Louis Cato and The Late Show Band!

Stephen shares two special announcements. First: our dear friend Jon Batiste has decided to leave the show after seven seasons, to continue to share his art with the world. Second: our incredible band members are staying and will now be called The Late Show Band, led by our new band leader, the amazing Louis Cato! #Colbert #TheLateShowBand #LouisCato
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@mercgurl80]

That is one heck of a Colbert Bump. Sad that Jon has left, but happy for his well-deserved success and looking forward to see more from him. And congrats to Louis, awesome job so far. Welcome ☺️

[@mjwatts1983]

July 2014 The Colbert Report kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap-raqydbaerr7M

[@bregancool980]

Yeah. This group without Jon needs big namers to make it legit. Quest Love wins late night

[@suzibarlow3611]

Loving Louis!! Who doesn't love Jon?!! But a band is never one person. Thank you all in this show for giving us amazing music and wonderful musicians!! Keep it going on!!!

[@BryanLee]

Jon's exceptional musical talent and infectious humor will be missed, but Louis Cato has been killing it and I look forward to seeing more of Mr. Cato, not just as band leader but in future comedy segments as well!

[@theMLBfan]

Hope to see Louis thrive here. I just hope he doesn't repeat that same overused gag of playing a few notes every time Stephen hands an imaginary item off screen.

[@ammaleslie509]

@@theMLBfan i miss that. Now every time it *doesn't* happen i miss Jon.

[@zolo49noname45]

Definitely wishing the best for Jon and his family, but I actually think I like Louis's slightly more low-key approach a little better than Jon's high-energy one. Looking forward to the years ahead.

[@mip4422]

What happened to Jon

[@ammaleslie509]

@@mip4422 watch the video

[@Evehawk87]

John we will miss you but are so excited to see you conquer the world! Louis you and the whole band have done an amazing job this summer thank you. Not a surprise really you guys are always amazing. So happy and blessed to have you share your music with us.

[@lazylion420]

Jon***

[@saar144]

Will we? I couldn’t stand his cackling and noises

[@maryroberts589]

Very happy for Jon's success & future projects, but will miss daily doses of him with Stephen! Happy for Louis & the amazing talent he brings to the show, and also very happy to hear that the rest of the band will be staying at The Late Show!

[@cgoose34]

That musical genius line is no joke. I went to college with Louis and he's incredible with every instrument he picks up. He'd lead a band with the bass on Tuesday, drums on Wednesday, and then sit in with a trumpet all weekend. Monster talent, and a genuinely kind person. Congratulations!

[@ammaleslie509]

Tell him how happy we all are for him! He does seem like a genuinely nice guy.

[@iamjro]

Guessing you weren’t That close though, couldn’t even spell his name right

[@sydneyevans2637]

@@iamjro Just because you know someone's name doesn't always mean you know how to spell it.

[@helenesuss4606]

@@sydneyevans2637 yeah and everybody has talent in different areas. Just because spelling is not your thing, doesn't mean you don't have a heart

[@cgoose34]

@@iamjro no not super close but friendly. He played with some good friends and I used to see him at Wally's on a regular basis. Just want to say he's a force

[@BrianOSheaPlus]

I had a sneaking feeling this was coming. Jon had a great run on the Late Show and he will be sorely missed. However, he is destined for great things wherever he goes. I'm excited to see what he does next. Welcome, Louis!

[@saml302]

same... a little bummed bc he was said to be taking a break and set to return in about a month. understandable tho, you don't win AOTY then go back to leading the late nite band

[@makizee6.023]

Same here.. I still thought about it just some days back. Wishing Jon a great journey and Lou success in this new role.. One love.

[@taliadunnpoter7615]

​@@makizee6.023

[@luannhetrick-wood9764]

@@saml302 Please remember Jon's wife is dealing with cancer as well. Maybe he now has more time to spend with her❤❤❤

[@saml302]

@@luannhetrick-wood9764 I’m aware, just remember looking it up awhile back bc I noticed he hadn’t been there and reporting I found had him slated to return in the fall after taking time off to be with his wife who is battling pretty serious cancer (all cancer is serious, but iirc she is battling pretty severe cancer) Not surprised to hear he’s stepping away permanently, I was just hopeful because it was previously reported he’d return

[@AkiroZenshin25]

Been following the show for 5 years, and it's sad to see Jon leaving. But wishing him great luck on sharing his art to the world🔝. And I can't wait to see the new chemistry between Colbert and Louis in the coming weeks.

[@gmunden1]

Jon's wife has been sick as well so I wish them both the best success and health. Lois Cato has been great. I look forward to him and the band on The Late Show.

[@mayagray7256]

He will be so missed I hope his family’s ok

[@Tyler.21]

This is so incredibly sad, Jon brought such a beautiful positive energy which helped the show feel so fresh and alive. One thing I will miss is all of the little tunes he would play in the background, I remember once he played the rugrats theme and another time he played the melody of walk idiot walk by the hives when Stephen was monologuing about someone being silly. Jon was such a strong foundation to this show that it genuinely feels hard to imagine him not being permanently apart of it anymore. This no sleight against Louis Cato either, he is brilliant (as is the rest of the band) but man... those are some huge shoes to fill! Jon if you happen to be reading this, thank you for being so wholesome and awesome over the years. You are an inspiring person and a great man, good luck out there!

[@Traci_Websinger]

Especially during the pandemic. Jon always had positive thoughts and a melody to uplift our spirits. I can't wait to see what Louis does over these next years. It sounds like the man is crazy talented. I'd love to see what he does with a shoehorn! 😉

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

I loved the little piano shimmers in the background. You don't get that with guitarists. I hope Louis incorporates himself into the show a little more each day, and that's an amazing promotion. Hope he got a bump in pay!

[@kayapapaya]

I loved Jon’s musical “comments,” they added such a great layer to the monologues, like he was chatting and joking with Stephen through the piano. Sometimes it was downright punny! And often a brain tease for me to place a particular riff. I’m sad, if not surprised, that Jon has outgrown this space; but, I will look forward to seeing other talent, voices, and styles emerge. Thanks for everything, Jon.

[@juliedesmond5158]

totally. his flares were always so cute and totally on cue. inside joker with a brilliant smile. people say he got a colbert bump? no way...colbert got lucky, babe.

[@chesschicken1698]

It was inevitable, though, and we all knew it. Jon was outgrowing this show, as crazy big as the late show is and Colbert, Jon Batiste is killing it professionally and needed to move on. Plus he needs to spend more time with his family.

[@NewMessage]

Wishing Jon and his family all the best... and extending a hearty welcome to the LSSC family to Louis!

[@roguesoul6760]

You say that like youre a producer on the show or something lmfao cringe

[@kayapapaya]

No one is too big or too small to say welcome or thank you.

[@Tustin2121]

Apparently this also means the band is no longer called “Stay Human”? Maybe that was just Jon’s thing...?

[@maryroberts589]

@@Tustin2121 that's what it sounds like. I was wondering if we would lose the other great musicians and am glad to hear that they have coalesced into a new entity. And I like the high-profile guest musician format too. We get to find out what the classics like JT & Joe Walsh are up to these days. 😉

[@Fanzindel]

He’s been on the show since day 1 lol

[@wesshort7202]

Louis Cato is amazing and anyone would be lucky to share a stage with him. I think he will be amazing in his new position.

[@michaelmoraga2926]

💜💜💜🎶👍

[@gorak9000]

I hope Louis keeps up the tradition of taking classical melodies, or other songs in general, and playing them in a jazz style. It was always something to look forward to once in a while and be able to go "hey, that's Mozart", or "ah, Bach Minuet" or whatever! The music has been fairly bland and repetitive since John left. I mean no where near as bland as Seth's band, but noticeably way less variety since John left.

[@rosy111]

Agreed!💛

[@kayapapaya]

With or (sadly) without Jon, this band is hands down the best in late night.

[@Max-zg2ci]

I’ll never forget the episode where Stephen Colbert introduced Jon Batiste on The Colbert Report…I could feel his positivity and infectious happiness through the screen. Watching him play Colbert out of the theater and on to join Stephen on the Late Show has been one of the greatest stories I have witnessed on TV. I am so so so happy to have been able to watch his journey this last decade. Thank you for everything Jon and all the well wishes to you and your family

[@anniesoernym]

I'm sad to see Jon go but happy for him to have more time for new explorations! And I'm looking forward to something new with Louis and the Late Show Band! Changes, man 🥲

[@MsKylea]

I didn't know of Jon before this show. Im so happy for his success!! I hope his wife has a healthy recovery!

[@alinaigrad]

It's so sad to know Jon's wife is still very sick. But I'm happy for Louis. And music will always be there for all of us. ❤️ l.e. People are really fighting for literally anything. You people need to learn to chill ffs. I never said anything bad about anyone, calm the f down!

[@sewgatormomm]

@nun ya What a rude response. His wife’s cancer has returned, and she has been going through treatment for months. Watch the CBS Sunday Morning segment he and his wife did early this year.

[@TheReillyDiefenbach]

@@redneckshaman3099 Is there any slimy depth to which you won't sink?

[@70foolio]

@@sewgatormomm thank you for reminding everyone of his wife. I remember when he announced taking time off for her care. Just sad.

[@shaylarz]

I didn't know she was sick. Wishing them both all the best.

[@louisejoy6300]

I hope that John is spending his time with his lady and enjoying his work. best of luck to him.

[@laalaa99stl]

Aww man. Jon broke up with us over remote? That was... cooooooooold bloooooded! Good bye, Jon. Welcome, Louis!

[@brams8453]

His wife is sick

[@tami4951]

"Cooooooold blooooooded" A Jon Batiste original!👍 He will be missed.

[@Sarah_D.]

Really gonna miss Jon. That man is like a daily dose of sunshine and serotonin. Hoping for nothing but the best for him. Louis has been killing it as the band leader this summer, so I'm looking forward to seeing more of him from here on out.

[@wildechild5]

Oh Jon I pray for your beautiful wife Suleika. May God bless her with his healing hand and love.

[@CheefChaos]

Big props to the band and crew, always good when someone leaves for good reasons!

[@juliaconnell]

as sad as I am to know that Jon Batise is leaving, I feel privileged to have 'met' him here, as I've slowly begun to realise exactly how talented & creative he is - look forward to following the rest of his career with interest. pursuing his art, and supporting his love - either reason I respect. sending you much love, support, strength & even more love Jon - to you, your wife and loved ones. we will miss you - you ray of sunshine & joy, pure joy and amazing talent. congratulations Louis - you've been doing a great job stepping up, grateful you & rest of the amazing band are staying. hopefully one day I can hear you in person. arohanui (an abundance of love) from Aotearoa/New Zealand ❤❤❤

[@faithinverity8523]

Jon Batiste: best late night band leader of all time. Thanks for the art and the good times. Vaya con Dios. Welcome, Lewis. We’re gonna have a good time.

[@YarrBr0]

Who's Lewis? Is Louis Cato already leaving and being replaced by this unknown Lewis?

[@Peanut1984]

I really wish they presented every single member of the group by naming them and having a quick chat with all of them, they are all important!!

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

As far as I can recall, the only late night show hosts that have *regularly* talked to more than a couple members of their band is Conan and Corden, followed by Fallon. You never really learn much about their personal lives though.

[@rikiroos3100]

Yep, this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

[@Camey71073]

Oh wow!!! Jon left the show😔but we are happy for him. He's an amazing artist and will be missed. Congrats Louis. Thank you John Stewart for all you do for the veteran community.

[@IsuiGtz]

This man is not John Stewart.

[@Camey71073]

@@IsuiGtz what? The man in the pic is Louis. Jon Baptiste left the show and John Stewart was recognized by POTUS for his unending work to get veterans the help they deserve. Watch it and you'd know....🙄

[@hawkiowan]

I think Carney knows, as shown also by the spelling of names, that Jon Batiste is leaving the show, and that John Stewart is a producer of it.

[@YarrBr0]

Joe Walsh is Joe Walsh. And Jon Stewart's name is spelled Jon Stewart, not John Stewart

[@Camey71073]

I'm so sorry I wasn't sure if Jon Stewart had an H or not but I know who the people in the show are. Thx though

[@cindyblankfield1961]

Good luck Louis I know you'll be great 👍 I also am thinking about Jon and his wife IDK how to spell her name I have much respect for her courage &dignity I wish all the strength to both of them, Jon please keep making music 🎶

[@alexpedroza6811]

I’m in tears!! Truly torn between wanting him to stay but loving, to see him move to this next chapter. I always said to myself “Wow. The late show really snagged a deal by getting this guy.. his aura is so vibrant. This guy radiates good energy to the world.“ … John, I look forward to seeing you and supporting you through other avenues.

[@juliedesmond5158]

you always got the feeling he should be doing something that didn't involve politics. he is just too nice to be sullied by silly men trying to muck rake. colbert is great and will march forward, too. maybe colbert could get a jon air freshener to help him reel it in sometimes.

[@bertincubaka6545]

So sad to learn that Jon Batiste won't come back as the band leader. I will miss everything from him, especially his laughter. Wish you well Jon

[@spencersmith3482]

Knew Jon was leaving sooner than later with his absences since winning his awards. He's a great musician but he wasn't given the gift of witty banter. It's not a big loss for him to leave. Louis has a better sense of humor and timing and is already better for the show. Best of luck in the future, Jon.

[@CO_Shaun]

I've always sensed tension between Jon and Stephen. I don't think Stephen was happy that Jon mostly just made noises and not banter and it showed through sometimes. I think there was a touch of mocking Jon when he did the "YEAHs" in this video.

[@bethanyredd2948]

I found him annoying honestly. I had started skipping the parts where Steven and him would talk because it was always too painful from the awkwardness.

[@spencersmith3482]

@@bethanyredd2948 Yeah, same here. I started skipping the first few minutes of Meanwhile a long time ago.

[@bethanyredd2948]

@@spencersmith3482 I’m so happy to learn I’m not the only one who found him annoying! His timing with his little jingles on the piano sprinkled in where usually pretty awesome, the musical genius part apparently. But otherwise he was annoying.

[@lynleygilchrist7703]

Wishing Jon’s wife love & healing- and looking forward to Jon continuing to share his talent with the world ❤️ Louis: WELCOME! Your smile is gorgeous & you bring your own brand of joy to the show!

[@yesloow]

I'm pretty devastated that Jon has left the show. i loved his musicianship, the amazing song quotes he would interject into the jokes that tied into the jokes (if you could quickly tell what song he was playing), his fashion sense, and his all-round kind hearted view about the world. I remember Stephen asking him about New Years resolutions one year and Jon said his resolution was to be a better friend. That just hit me as the sweetest resolution a person could have. We will truly miss you, Jon! Thanks for sharing your talent with us night after night for 7 years!

[@whitedevilvaz]

It was obvious that this would happen with all the success that Jon is having.

[@anthonygordon9483]

Yeah and also it does make his time more flexible to take care of his sick wife who is currently battling cancer. Late Night pays well and its more job security. Jon is taking a risk giving up his late night position so we got to wish him the best regardless.

[@sicknado]

@@anthonygordon9483 huh? He did it to "find better opportunities" whatever that means.

[@gafls3151]

I saw this coming and it makes me sad because I have told everybody about Jon for years and have been proud of his accomplishments as if they were my own. But I can't think of anyone better to follow him than Louis Cato. The tradition of a fine band leader continues.

[@RobertAnthonyPitera]

As much as I'll miss Jon, it makes perfect sense due to his family situation and I think he made the right decision. And Louis has done such a spectacular job filling in that I couldn't be happier about his promotion. Much love to both!

[@deborahmclean6622]

I didn't know Jon's work until Stephen Colbert. Now I can't imagine life without his art...

[@sedgecircle]

The Late Show feels like such a family

[@ashaanderson7971]

I was looking forward to Jon's return, but I get it. I wish him and his wife well. I hope Colbert will have him as a guest in the future!

[@darbyc8735]

My heart just broke a little. I love Jon and because he was on the show I became a huge fan. I will continue to follow his great career. Good luck to Louis, he is a great musician too. I love that you had James Taylor and crazy Joe Walsh on too. It’s been so fun.

[@humanoid251]

Aww, not only did Jon leave but the band is no longer Stay Human. The end of an era T-T But best of luck to Jon and his future endeavors

[@tiffanyannhowe1712]

Good luck, Jon!! Healing thoughts for the wife. Keep on believing! 🖤 Louis is brilliant! We are lucky to keep him 🖤

[@marylynnacee4062]

I figured Jon wouldn't be back but how lucky that we were at to watch his career skyrocket as he continues to love & support his beautiful wife Suleika. I wish them the best as well as the adorable, so humble, so talented Louis Cato & the great band!❤️🙏❤️🙏

[@cherylannebarillartist7453]

Yes, we’ve been watching!!! And it is Jon’s time to fully focus on his music and his life… Louis has already passed muster, if you will, his personality and musical skills are the perfect next match for this show! CANT WAIT to see Jon return as a celebrated guest!!!!!!!

[@jamesdenny4734]

I was wondering where Jon was... 😭 will miss his notes played when Stephen's arm goes right or left !

[@chezmoi42]

It would be fun if Louis were to pick that game up with a little riff.

[@Tazzer88]

Blessings to Jon for his wonderful work over the years and towards his continued success! You don't win an absolute avalanche of awards without some serious talent and we were lucky to have him on this little show every night for as long as we did. That said, Louis and the rest of the band going forward are going to keep on bringing the great musical vibes to match Stephen's top-notch comedy. Congratulations to Louis Cato and the band, keep on rocking!

[@helenesuss4606]

Tazzer88 well said! I was in tears last night, both sad and happy tears. I will miss Jon SOOO much! I wanted to see him at Carnegie Hall but never made that concert, and I'm so happy for his GOAT! And glad that he's taking time off as sometimes in life, we have to prioritize and make difficult decisions. This is another reason I admire his strength because he believes in a higher force that will guide the way. And he will come back to the show as a guest! Meanwhile.... Welcome and kudos to the talented new leader! And I loved that Joe Walsh was on this week! He ROCKS! THEY ALL ROCK! ROCK ON SC and LC and the entire band, and JW!!!

[@IMeMineWho]

Jon may have been a good musico, but he stepped on Jon's delivery with his "wow..just wow" unnecessary remarks and his mugging for the camera. Louis is a better musico and he frankly has a better sense of timing with regard to humor.

[@Boomer_Johnson]

I really love Kato. He is a rare talent but I am really going to miss Jon Batiste and his unique and larger than life personality. You deserve the best, both of you.

[@updem]

Steven is such a class act. Never once mentioning Jon's wife or their struggles. Giving his friend his privacy in a rough time is a sincere gift.

[@jakoblarok]

Why didn't you mirror that courtesy?

[@ThelPic]

@@jakoblarok I immediately thought the same thing as Ron, maybe because we know it and we care without pretending nothing is happening.

[@Oreos_mommy]

Nooooo! As happy as I am for John.... I've been waiting all summer for John to get back. Good luck John. Congrats Louis.

[@melbatoast667]

Jon is gone, thank god! "CooOooOoold BlooooOOoooded!" after every joke will not be missed.

[@duncanowen1484]

Going to miss John! His laugh was infectious day in, day out 😆

[@aaronspruance]

Why is unexpected change so hard?! Mr. Cato you will be loved and and embraced. Apart from that, Mr. Batiste losing your contribution to the show is gut wrenching; you have changed my view on what makes music great, and I am different because of your contribution to the world already!

[@jimmyispromo]

Dang it. I love Jon and hope him the best. Gonna miss him on this show

[@litwin707]

Saw that coming months ago! Jon’s stupendous talent and infectious joy will be - has been - missed!!! Congratulations on all of your personal success, Jon. My heart goes out to you and Sulekha; I send healing vibes your direction frequently. 💓

[@mohamedsh5143]

Did anyone else see the tears in Stephen eyes?

[@matttheking1655]

Thanks for all the entertainment Jon.... 🙏 "All Good thing must come to an End"... Much Success to You.... As for Louis and the Late Show band, Welcome 👍

[@chezmoi42]

I prefer to think that 'all good things move on to become better things.' All the best to Jon and his wife, and much love to the band and to Louis, who seems to be an equally sweet soul.

[@shehulking]

Yay! I was hoping for this!!! Welcome Louis Cato!

[@JacobElyachar]

Sad to see Jon Batiste leave the Late Show. He is one of the best bandleaders on late night. Louis Cato has big shoes to fill! Looking forward to see what Louis Cato & the Late Show band have in store for us next season.

[@douggolden255]

I'm gonna miss Jon on the show. He's a bright-burning star and I had a feeling this was in the works. Best of luck to him and his. I think we're going to get to know Louis Cato much better over the coming months. We didn't lose Jon, we just got a new friend.

[@Morningdovecamp]

Good luck John. My prayers are with you and your wife. 🙏🏻. You are a musical genius. Thank you!

[@YarrBr0]

I saw the title of this video, and my heart sank. Then I watched the video, and my heart sank deeper.

[@likebot.]

I was certain that it was time for Jon to leave the show. It's cruel to keep a bird locked in its cage anyway. ♥

[@yvonnedias2043]

Welcome Louis Cato and your band. I love your room-lighting smile.

[@RobertSaxy]

I’ll be honest, while I like John as a musician I didn’t do much as a band leader for late night. I am however thrilled that Louis Cato is the new band leader, congratulations to him and the band. Great to see a fellow true multi-instrumentalist get a gig like this

[@moonbeams888]

"I didn’t do much as a band leader for late night." Sorry to hear you didn’t do much as a band leader for late night.

[@h3runs]

The last time we saw Jon, I believe he was on the guest seat; I suspected it would have been a farewell bit.

[@COMPFUNK2]

Congratulations to Louis; and good luck to Jon in his future endeavors.

[@nickelcityrider5431]

Love and well wishes to Jon Baptiste, his family and my hope to see and hear him perform again soon. Such a great person / such a genuine soul.

[@ericschnipke874]

I've really been enjoying Louis and Steve's interactions (and Louis' music) lately and am very happy to see this change! Best of luck to Jon!

[@Magnetron33]

I knew when he was up for 11 grammys it was probably over. Thanks Jon! The world loves you!

[@annikarasmussen6616]

Jon always brought a much needed dose of positive vibes in the recent dark years. I'm glad his career is going well

[@extramedium1]

Louis Cato! You are winning this. You’ve shown us you’re a wonderful band leader and talk show side kick (in no way intended for that to sound disrespectful). I can’t wait to see you grow in this role! And, of course, ALL love and grace to Jon! What a great show.

[@fran5043]

Jon Batiste is legend and just got too big for the show

[@jy2334]

Good luck jon go with God brother💯❤️thanks for the memories

[@derrickmarais]

Louis has been killing it for a while now, glad they made it official. And as for Jon, I'm sure he'll land on his feet 😁.

[@Dvw86]

Jon is doing just fine🙄

[@Dvw86]

Racist azz!

[@GarthTheDestroyer]

I'm sure Louis will do a great job as the new band leader, but I'm still going through the five stages of grief right now. AAAAAAUUUUUGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I WANT MY JON BACK!!! #$%^&!!!

[@GrantGelinasBrown]

Jon has a lot going on. Respect to end on a high note and pass the baton to a great musician.

[@HaliPuppeh]

Congratulations to Louis for the awesome gig! Best late night band there is! And my heart goes out to Jon. He will definitely be missed.

[@ricardoneves7307]

I knew Jon would leave one day, having to be present daily for a musician who just won 5 grammys is not easy, we will truly miss him but I'm really happy to see him successful and doing what he loves.

[@Eddyspeeder]

Well, I TOTALLY saw that coming. Sure enough, the temporary replacements by Cato during Batiste's previous absences (Grammies, Color Purple, Corona infection) had shown that the musical directorship at the show is in safe hands. Yet the "summer vacation" thing was the nail in the coffin for sure. I am convinced Batiste wanted to spend a few weeks contemplating his next moves, and two things suggested in what direction his decision was leaning: 1) the increased screen time Cato got, and 2) the band initially sticking to the same tune of Batiste's, only recently becoming more liberal in their choice of music. I can fully understand and respect his choice. He certainly is one of the hardest-working people of our time. Working daily on LSSC is quite taxing if you on top of that are building out your multi-Grammy musical career, making award-winning movie soundtracks, leading movements & protests, keeping a budding acting career afloat, AND taking care of your seriously ill wife. Jon, I am hugely thankful for the joy and music that you have given us in all those years! Sadly, I feel they did three things wrong around this announcement: 1) I felt that the three residencies in the past few weeks undermined Cato's notoriety on stage instead of increasing his visibility and helping him overcome his shyness. (Don't get me wrong, I loved seeing those super talented musicians there!) 2) The total lack of a personal goodbye performance/interview with Batiste after being with the show for so many years suggests it was not entirely on good terms. They literally had MONTHS to plan this exit and it's a no-show, without fulfilling the audience's desire for closure? 3) The weak entrance Cato was given, without so much as an interview and on-air performance. Even this segment of the show was more about Joe Walsh' concert than it was about Louis Cato. Yes, Cato does need to grow in charisma, but so did Batiste at first.

[@brycewalburn3926]

Louis seems like a super genuine and friendly person. I'm sure he'll do great things!

[@CanadianRose]

I won't lie, I actually got a little tear in my eye when Stephen said Jon wasn't coming back. He is an incredibly talented man, and he will without a doubt be missed on The Late Show. All the best Jon!! 🙂❤

[@ptavangar]

Meh... louis is way better, smarter, and doesn't say stupid stuff during the monologues. Much better choice.

[@JustMyKeyz]

Jon was the Shaffer to Colbert's Lederman. So biter sweet for Jon.

[@tami4951]

The "Severinson" to Colbert's Carson.

[@jalabi99]

Completely selfishly, I wish Jon hadn't stepped down as the leader of the LSSC Band since he brought me such joy over the years. And no one plays those little musical accompaniments to Stephen putting away imaginary objects during his monologue quite like Jon. But all things must pass, and this is no exception. Jon, you may never read this, but in case you do: thank you, sir, for bringing light and laughter and _joie de vivre_ to the entire audience of _The Late Show with Stephen Colbert_ for seven-plus years. Congratulations on your Grammys, your Oscar, and your recent marriage to another equally talented person, Suleika Jaouad. Here is wishing you both good health, much happiness, and the best of luck in wherever your careers take you!

[@1SpartanD4L]

Glad that Louis Cato will still be rockin the house... But so incredibly sad that Jon wont be a part of it. Jon was, is, and always will be a true inspiration. He is the voice America needs and I hope he keeps shouting from the mountain tops! Please please, try to put together some sort of recurring bit where Stephen and Jon chum it up doing... anything. SERIOUSLY!! And to plug for Jon... I NEED YOU! Good luck Mr. Jon Batiste. And THANK YOU!!!!

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

I don't know Jon well, but in the only two years I've been watching Colbert, I always felt like Jon was being held back. I was surprised to find out in the comments he'd been there for eight years! But sometimes they'd cut to Jon and I had this vibe that he'd rather be composing or something. I mean, technically he had a day job, and technically he was "watching TV" though he got to participate. But I can see that once he took that break to care for his wife, I wouldn't be at all surprised from his nature if he suddenly had an explosion of output or something. Some birds need to be free.

[@jujitsujew23]

Thank you!! The show is so much better without Jon Batiste!! I found him so incredibly annoying

[@jaheidt]

I will miss John, but I'm excited for his future, and excited for Louis!!

[@IsuiGtz]

No. I knew this was coming. But oh... okay.

[@alex0589]

Between winning 27547 Grammy's and having illness in the family, it's obvious he was leaving but it's still a bittersweet moment. Hope they stay healthy and successful

[@neildas2465]

Heartbreaking news 💔 Wish Jon the very best in life

[@blairbrown4812]

Much like Branford Marsalis,some twenty-seven years earlier,Jon Baptiste is now simply too big for late night TV. 🌙I hope that Stephen appreciated what he had while he had Jon,for as long as he did,because Jon is going to be irreplaceable. 😳 That said,I look forward to future developments with Louis Cato with great interest. 😀 👌

[@lauriemacquanan2141]

We will miss Jon and his musicality, sorry, but Jon has too much music in him that is bursting to get to the world. I am sure there will always be a part in everyone's heart for Jon and vice versa. Jon is a force to be reckoned with Faire thee well Jon and we look forward to a YEARLY (? OH PLEEEEZE Stephen make it happen) visit as a guest!! Welcome Louis and the Band I'm glad you stayed! You all are so tight!!! You love what you do it shows all over your faces when you play. Thank you all!!

[@sarahnaomiwagner]

It had to happen, yall had your hands on a shooting star...and Cato is AMAZING...but of course, man, we will miss him and his outfits! :D

[@robinhoward8805]

Noooooooo! Jon not coming back!!!😞😩😭. Not being able to see him playing his piano! You have smashed my heart into a million pieces 💔. I know it’s the best thing for you Jon and I do ❤️ Louis, but, you’re the absolute finest person ever to grace the stage with Stephen! You will be so missed!

[@yeeaahBUDDY]

May be an unpopular opinion, but I've preferred Louis over Jon from the start. Congrats, Louis!

[@lancefromohio]

This hurts. Jon Batiste and Stay Human danced their way from The Report to The Late Show. I loved that transition. It felt like a family business. Now it just feels like a business.

[@gabesolomon4887]

Cato deserves every accolade laid before him as a musician. But I gotta say, Jon could have won a Pulitzer for his facial expressions reacting to Stephen reading the day's headlines. Cato, it's your gig now. Time to work on your selection of WTF faces!

[@ladybug9561]

Louis is great - but I am sooooo bummed that Jon Batiste is leaving permanently....

[@Kim-lc3fv]

I AM SO SAD 😞 that Jon Batiste is leaving the late show. He was such a delight each and every time I watched the show. I am going to MISS him big time. 😥❤️ (But I hope he visits often...)

[@navandozer]

I'm gonna miss that angel of a man, but it ain't like he's leaving the world so I know he and Steven will hang out again and give some smiles along the way.

[@romangysse3690]

Not a surprise but still a sad news. Between his career skyrocketing and his wife's condition I was expecting Jon to leave for awhile. His humor, joy, candor and heartwarming friendship with Stephen will be missed but I wish him the best and will keep following his incredible career and listening to his music. Congrats Louis, hope you do Jon proud !

[@KristiContemplates]

G'day Louis Cato. Are you able to bless us with some Christine Anu and Jessica Mauboy music, pleasey please? yeah ta thanks 👍 🇦🇺🖤💛❤️

[@nikobatallones]

I was dreading this day, but the band is in good hands. But also… what will happen to the LSSC theme? Will it be changing down the line?

[@sbeaufort2793]

Gonna miss Jon SO much 💕💕