Stephen Colbert Courts Netflix, Amazon After CBS Late Show Cancellation

Stephen Colbert is preparing for the end of "The Late Show" on CBS, which is set to conclude in May 2026, by openly seeking new opportunities with streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon. During a recent episode, he humorously criticized Vice President JD Vance for using his power to raise a river’s water level for a birthday boat trip, introducing a parody character, "Little Prince Vance," before directly addressing Netflix with a call to contact him in June. Colbert’s remarks come amid speculation that the show’s cancellation, officially attributed to financial reasons, may have political undertones related to CBS parent company Paramount's settlement with President Trump, who has publicly criticized Colbert and other late-night hosts. Reflecting on the success of late-night veterans like David Letterman and Conan O’Brien who transitioned to streaming, Colbert’s interest in these platforms suggests a pursuit of creative freedom and new audience engagement beyond traditional television. CBS executives acknowledge the decline in the late-night advertising market as a key factor in the show's cancellation, despite their admiration for Colbert and his show. As Colbert embarks on this transitional phase, he also has a guest role lined up in the third season of "Elsbeth," though details of his future projects remain largely undisclosed.