CBS to cancel the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” after the 2025–2026 television season, ending a decades-long era that began when the network poached David Letterman from NBC back in 1993.
The network claims it’s a “financial decision,” but many are questioning what’s really going on behind the scenes.
According to CBS executives, Colbert is “irreplaceable,” and the entire “Late Show” franchise will be retired. But this sudden announcement—delivered with zero fanfare—has raised eyebrows across the industry, especially given Colbert’s consistent role in pushing anti-Trump, far-left commentary to a dwindling late-night audience.
The network insists the decision is not related to the show’s performance or content, but that statement is already being viewed as damage control.
The truth is, late-night comedy—once a powerhouse for advertisers and cultural influence—has become a bloated, politically charged relic. Younger viewers have abandoned traditional cable and network broadcasts in favor of on-demand streaming, YouTube clips, and TikTok soundbites. Combine that with Colbert’s relentless left-wing virtue signaling, and it’s no surprise CBS is quietly backing out.
The decision comes at a curious time. Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, is poised to acquire Paramount Global—parent company of CBS and Comedy Central.
Ellison