‘Insane!’ CBS blasted for cancelling Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ days after he ripped settlement

CBS provoked widespread outrage after suddenly announcing it was cancelling “The Late Show,” which comedian Stephen Colbert has hosted since 2015.CNN media reporter Brian Stelter tweeted Thursday that the network announced it would remove “The Late Show” from its lineup after the current broadcast season ends in May of 2026. In an official statement, CBS praised Colbert as a host and insisted its decision was purely business-related and not in any way tied to other issues, like the network’s recent $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, who sued over a “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris.”This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,” the statement read. “Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult. Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas. The show has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons; Stephen’s comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.”READ MORE: ‘We have certain things in common Jeffrey’: Read Trump’s lewd birthday message to EpsteinSome observers noticed that it was difficult to accept CBS’ decision as financial. In response to the announcement, one Bluesky user posted a snippet of an Internet Movie Database (IMDb) article from earlier this week showing that Colbert’s show led all late-night programming in Nielsen ratings. “I mean technically it is a financial decision to follow through on part of your bribe,” Michigan Indigent Defense Commission researcher Neil Weinberg commented.Journalist Joshua Rivera called CBS’ decision “Insane!” Former New York Daily News reporter Helen Kennedy declared “CBS is dead.” Talking Points Memo founder Joshua Marshall tweeted: “The Ellison’s have spoken,” which is likely referencing Skydance founder and CEO David Ellison, whose company just merged with CBS’ parent company, Paramount. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) tweeted that “the public deserves to know” if Colbert’s show was cancelled “for political reasons.”Other social media users pointed out that the cancellation comes just days after Colbert slammed Paramount’s settlement with Trump as a “big fat bribe.” And when Colbert posted an Instagram reel confirming the news of “The Late Show” being cancelled, the studio audience is heard loudly booing, prompting Colbert to respond: “I share your feelings.”READ MORE: ‘Worse by the day’: Analyst reveals how Trump is rapidly losing backing of far-right media

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