CBS Cancels ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Amid Political Backlash and Financial Pressures

NEW YORK, NY – In a surprise announcement that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and political circles alike, CBS has confirmed it will cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, bringing an end to one of the most iconic franchises in late-night television history.

The network cites financial strain as the reason behind its decision, stating that the move is not related to ratings, content, or performance. According to CBS, the economics of late-night programming have become increasingly unsustainable, even for a show like Colbert’s, which has maintained strong viewership. In fact, Colbert was the only late-night host to gain viewers in 2025, averaging over 2.4 million nightly.

However, the cancellation has sparked significant controversy due to its timing – just days after Colbert criticized Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, for settling a defamation lawsuit with former President Donald Trump for $16 million. The settlement, related to a segment aired by 60 Minutes, had drawn public scrutiny for appearing to capitulate to political pressure.

Colbert revealed the news during a July 17 taping, stating that CBS informed him the night before.

It’s not just the end of our show – it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS,” he told the stunned studio audience. “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”

The decision has drawn bipartisan attention from lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren called the cancellation “deeply suspicious,” suggesting the move may have been politically motivated. Congressman Adam Schiff echoed those concerns, calling for transparency from CBS and Paramount regarding their decision-making process.

CBS, for its part, maintains that the decision was based strictly on financial realities. No replacement is expected for the 11:30 p.m. time slot, marking the end of The Late Show brand after more than three decades.

The show’s final season will air through May 2026, giving Colbert and his team time to conclude on their own terms. Meanwhile, debate continues over whether this cancellation signals the beginning of a broader decline in traditional late-night television – or something more concerning about the intersection of media, politics, and corporate influence.

Colbert, who has hosted the program since 2015, has not yet commented publicly beyond his initial on-air remarks.

A Broader Shakeup in Late-Night Television

The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is not an isolated case. It follows a string of other high-profile exits and show cancellations that have effectively reshaped the landscape of late-night television—many of them involving politically vocal hosts.

In 2023, James Corden stepped away from The Late Late Show on CBS. While his departure was officially described as voluntary, the network opted not to replace the program with another traditional talk show, instead launching a short-lived experiment called After Midnight, which was also canceled in 2025.

Trevor Noah left The Daily Show on Comedy Central in late 2022 after seven years at the helm. Though his decision was framed as a personal choice to pursue stand-up and travel, his departure marked a major turning point. Since then, Comedy Central has struggled to find a consistent new host, relying on rotating guest hosts while ratings declined. Noah was a frequent critic of Donald Trump, racial injustice, and misinformation during his tenure.

Samantha Bee, host of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, was canceled in 2022 by TBS. Her show, one of the few late-night programs hosted by a woman, was known for its sharp and unapologetic political commentary, particularly directed at the Trump administration. Its cancellation came amid corporate restructuring at Warner Bros. Discovery but raised concerns over whether politically progressive programming was being deprioritized.

John Oliver, whose Last Week Tonight continues to air on HBO (now Max), remains one of the few surviving satirical political commentators in the late-night arena. However, even Oliver’s future has been the subject of speculation as Warner Bros. Discovery undergoes ongoing cost-cutting and restructuring efforts.

Desus & Mero, the popular duo on Showtime, also ended their show in 2022. While their exit was reportedly due to creative differences, the cancellation added to the sense of an unraveling of non-traditional, younger, and politically outspoken voices in late-night.

Consolidation, Caution, or Censorship?

With the departures and cancellations of Colbert, Corden, Noah, Bee, and others, the traditional late-night landscape has become both quieter and less politically confrontational. Critics argue that media conglomerates are increasingly choosing safer, less controversial paths in an attempt to avoid alienating audiences or advertisers in an age of heightened political division.

While some of these exits were voluntary or driven by ratings, the cumulative effect paints a picture of a shrinking platform for dissenting voices – especially those critical of powerful figures or corporations.

In this new reality, outspoken political commentary appears to be giving way to nostalgia, celebrity interviews, and viral-friendly entertainment. What this means for public discourse – and for the future of political satire – remains to be seen.

in addition to the wave of late-night and political satire show cancellations, several high-profile news anchors and commentators – both liberal and conservative – have also been abruptly let go or forced out in recent years. These departures have fueled ongoing speculation about political and corporate motives behind the shakeups.

High-Profile News Departures

Don Lemon (CNN) – Fired in April 2023

• Don Lemon, a prominent anchor and co-host of CNN’s morning show, was terminated by CNN after nearly 17 years at the network.
• His firing followed controversial on-air remarks and public disagreements with co-hosts, but some saw it as part of a broader shift under new CNN leadership toward more centrist editorial positioning.
• Lemon was often critical of Trump and vocal on issues of race, LGBTQ+ rights, and misinformation.

Tucker Carlson (Fox News) – Fired in April 2023

• One of the most-watched figures in cable news, Tucker Carlson was let go by Fox News with no official explanation.
• His departure came shortly after the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit settlement, where Carlson’s private messages criticizing Trump and network leadership were made public.
• While seen as a champion of right-wing populism, Carlson’s departure was interpreted by some as a move by Fox to reduce legal liability and reorient its editorial tone.

Brian Stelter (CNN) – Show Canceled in 2022

• Host of Reliable Sources, CNN’s long-running media analysis program, Stelter was let go and the show was canceled as part of network restructuring.
• Stelter had been highly critical of Fox News, Trump, and right-wing disinformation, leading to speculation that his removal was ideologically motivated.

Chris Cuomo (CNN) – Fired in 2021

• Cuomo was fired for ethical violations related to advising his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, during a misconduct scandal.
• Despite the ethics issue, the firing was also seen by some as part of a broader effort by CNN to reset its public image and reduce liability.

Joy-Ann Reid (MSNBC) – Show Canceled in February 2025

• Joy-Ann Reid, who hosted The ReidOut in the coveted 7 p.m. primetime slot, was removed in a major programming shake‑up under new network president Rebecca Kutler.
• Her show wrapped up in late February 2025 amid declining ratings – down about 28 % year-over-year – and Reid has suggested that both race and her progressive commentary might have influenced the decision.

These moves, combined with the Colbert cancellation and cuts to politically progressive programming, have intensified the narrative that powerful media outlets may be retreating from politically provocative voices—whether to reduce controversy, legal risk, or simply align with shifting leadership agendas.