The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has expressed meaningful concerns regarding the cancellation of The Late Show, suggesting it could be a “bribe” to appease the Trump administration. The WGA cited Paramount’s prior settlement in a lawsuit brought by President Trump concerning CBS News as a potential factor, fearing the cancellation might be an attempt to “sacrifice free speech to curry favour wiht the Trump administration” as the company seeks approval for a merger.
jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s The Tonight Show and a peer of Colbert, shared his surprise on Instagram, stating, “I’m just as shocked as everyone.” Fallon, who had previously been called “the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show” by Trump, added, “I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come.”
Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s late-night program, also offered his support to Stephen Colbert, tweeting, “Love you Stephen.”
CBS released a statement on Thursday, expressing pride in Colbert’s tenure, saying, “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home.” The network added that Colbert and his show “will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television.”
Colbert, who transitioned to hosting the late Show in 2015 after a successful run on Comedy Central, was known for his incisive political commentary delivered with humor. His move to CBS marked a significant moment in the evolution of late-night television.
The late-night television landscape has historically been characterized by satirical comedy programs that merge entertainment with political commentary.For many decades, these shows have served as cultural touchstones, with hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, and more recently, Colbert, Fallon, and Kimmel, influencing public discourse through their blend of humor and celebrity interviews.
– Agence France-Presse