CBS Cancels LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT After He Skewered Paramount’s ‘Big Fat Bribe’

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CBS has decided to permanently discontinue “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” starting in May 2026. Despite the show’s consistent success, they won’t be replacing him as host and the series, originally hosted by David Letterman since 1993, will conclude for good. This move is described as a “financial decision,” although it’s worth noting that “The Late Show” often ranks first among late-night programs. Interestingly, this financial decision was made shortly after Stephen Colbert criticized CBS’s parent company Paramount Global over an alleged bribe to former President Donald Trump.

The iconic “Late Show” has come to an end. An official announcement from CBS, initially published in Variety, offers insight into why the program will no longer be airing permanently.

We highly value Stephen Colbert and have decided to end “The Late Show” franchise in May of 2026. CBS is honored to have hosted him, as he and our broadcast will be remembered among the best who graced late-night television. This decision is solely a financial one, made amidst challenges in the late-night sector. It’s important to clarify that this doesn’t reflect on the show’s performance, content, or any ongoing events at Paramount.

Colbert also addressed the cancellation with his audience.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I can’t deny that expensive late-night talk shows have been teetering on the edge for quite some time now. The traditional broadcast format isn’t drawing the audiences it once did, with an increasing number of young viewers opting to watch bite-sized clips online instead. It’s no wonder then that some of these shows are facing the chopping block. Yet, a sudden cancellation mid-week in July? That’s something that catches even the most jaded cinephile off guard. Perhaps it isn’t as surprising as it seems.

Stephen Colbert has been open about expressing his political views on the show. Lately, he even criticized those in charge at his network directly. He labeled the recent $16 million settlement CBS’s parent company Paramount paid to Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes story as a “large, under-the-table payment” meant to secure Paramount’s sale to Skydance Media, which depends on Trump’s approval. Legal professionals regarded Trump’s lawsuit as baseless.

According to Brian Steinberg from Variety, Skydance CEO David Ellison has given off an impression of being fascinated by the political views held by President Donald Trump. In addition, Trump himself has openly commended Ellison and his upcoming acquisition.

It’s possible that Colbert’s mention of a “bribe” is unrelated to the recent decision, or perhaps his comments merely highlighted what was already a foregone conclusion for a struggling format. Only those in high positions within the company can truly say for certain, but the circumstances surrounding this choice might raise eyebrows (particularly given current global events). However, it’s not definitive evidence of wrongdoing.

If you’re curious about what Jon Stewart, another Paramount employee and talk show host like Stephen Colbert, thinks of the situation, he’s already expressed his opinion before Colbert weighed in. He described Paramount’s deal as a “shameful settlement.” Additionally, this week, he voiced doubt about whether The Daily Show, yes, even the iconic Daily Show, has a future on Comedy Central.

Maybe that’s just a coincidence, too.

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2025-07-18 16:32