Stephen Colbert‘s “The Late Show” Canceled by CBS, Sparking Political Debate
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the late-night television landscape, CBS has announced the cancellation of “the Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” with the final episode slated for April 2025. The decision has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics alleging political motivations behind the abrupt end to the popular program.
former President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, expressed his delight at the cancellation, stating, “I absolutely love that colbert got fired. his talent was even less than his ratings.” Colbert, in turn, addressed Trump’s remarks during his July 21 monologue, defiantly mocking the former president’s celebratory comments, a move met with eager cheers from his studio audience.
The cancellation has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures, including Senator Elizabeth Warren. Warren, along with others, has labeled the decision “politically motivated,” suggesting that CBS, and it’s parent company Paramount, may have sought to appease Trump and his allies. This theory gained traction as Paramount pursued a merger with Skydance Media, a deal that received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on July 23. The Writers Guild of America, representing the writers of “The Late Show,” has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cancellation.
However, the decline of the late-night genre is a broader trend, as reported by CNN.Factors such as audience fragmentation, the proliferation of streaming content, and a significant decrease in advertising revenue have contributed to this downturn. Ad data firm Guideline estimates that ad revenue for network late-night programs has plummeted by 50%, from $439 million in 2018 to $220 million in 2024. Despite this trend, the decision to cancel “the Late Show” has been described as surprising, implying that CBS may not have explored all possible cost-saving measures.
Colbert has publicly expressed his gratitude to his fans, staff, and CBS for the past decade, while also conveying his disappointment over the show’s conclusion. He has committed to delivering his remaining 10 months of shows, describing the experience as a “fantastic job” and celebrating the team that made it possible. Sources indicate that Colbert himself is exploring new opportunities, perhaps in producing roles or a return to streaming with a more adaptable format.
For years, Colbert has served as a prominent voice for public frustration, using his sharp wit and incisive critiques of the news to connect with his audience. his departure marks the loss of a significant and insightful translator of contemporary political and social commentary, leaving a void in a genre that continues to grapple with evolving media consumption habits and economic pressures.
Fiona Clancy, an Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer for the summer 2025 quarter, contributed to this report. She can be reached at clancyf@uci.edu.
Edited by June Min and Annabelle Aguirre.
