CBS cancels The Late Show with Stephen Colbert amid financial turmoil
- CBS cited financial pressures as the main reason behind the cancellation of The Late Show.
- Colbert's political commentary and recent criticism of Trump's settlement with CBS raised questions about potential political motives.
- The decision reflects broader trends in late-night programming and financial viability amidst declining viewership.
In a significant shift in late-night television, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, with the final airing scheduled for May 2026. This decision, officially stated as a financial necessity, comes against a backdrop of increasing costs and declining ad revenues in the late-night television landscape. Colbert’s show had enjoyed a successful run, dominating late-night ratings since 2017 and being a notable platform for political satire, particularly against Donald Trump. His criticism of CBS's parent company, Paramount, over a controversial $16 million settlement with the former president drew attention and raised speculation regarding the motives behind the cancellation. Colbert received messages of support from fellow late-night hosts, who expressed shock and disappointment at the network's decision. Trump's approval of the cancellation further complicated the narrative, suggesting that the show’s political commentary may have contributed to its termination. The evolution of late-night television is under scrutiny, as financial challenges force networks to reconsider their programming strategies and the impacts on audiences. While Colbert plans to move to a podcast format, the future of late-night remains uncertain, with networks grappling to maintain viewer engagement amid changing media consumption patterns.