CBS is set to cancel “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” in May, marking the end of a long-standing television staple. This decision comes amid financial challenges in the late-night sector, despite Colbert’s show maintaining strong ratings and winning accolades like a Peabody Award and multiple Emmy nominations. The announcement follows Colbert’s criticism of a settlement between Paramount Global and former President Donald Trump, raising questions about the timing and motivation behind the cancellation. Paramount and CBS executives have stated that the decision is purely financial and not related to the show’s content or performance.
The move has sparked reactions from various public figures. Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have called for transparency if political reasons influenced the cancellation. Actor Jamie Lee Curtis and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel have also commented, with Kimmel expressing support for Colbert and criticizing CBS’s decision.
Colbert, known for his political satire and criticism of Trump, took over “The Late Show” in 2015, succeeding David Letterman. His approach has often included political figures and commentary, engaging audiences with a mix of humor and current events. The cancellation reflects broader economic pressures on late-night TV, where viewership and advertising revenue have declined, and networks struggle to monetize online content effectively. The landscape shift has led to adjustments in programming across major networks, but the end of Colbert’s tenure is particularly notable given his show’s success and influence.
