CBS Ends Colbert Late Show Amid $40M Loss, Late-Night Decline

CBS announced that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will end in May 2026, citing financial losses and declining late-night TV viewership as key reasons, but the decision has sparked intense debate over political motivations. Supporters like Sunny Hostin claim the cancellation represents a dangerous assault on free speech and democracy, linking it to President Donald Trump and Paramount's $16 million settlement of a lawsuit related to a 2024 election interview, which Colbert had criticized as a "big fat bribe." Critics on the right argue Colbert's overtly partisan approach alienated viewers, contributing to the show's decline. Observers note that Paramount's desire to appease the Trump administration amid a major corporate merger may have influenced the timing of the cancellation, suggesting a blend of financial and political factors. Meanwhile, the broader decline of late-night talk shows and shifts in television consumption habits also play a significant role, as traditional formats struggle to retain audiences in an evolving media landscape. This multifaceted controversy highlights tensions between corporate interests, political pressures, and the changing nature of entertainment media.