Stephen Colbert, the sharp-tongued host of CBS's 'The Late Show', offered a scorching reply to President Donald Trump's comments following the announcement of Colbert's show ending in May 2026. The 61-year-old comedian was greeted by a standing ovation in New York City, where he humorously lamented the reach of "cancel culture" before stating his intention to speak freely in his remaining time on air.
CBS disclosed last week that Colbert's run, which began a decade ago, would conclude due to significant financial losses, estimated between $40 million to $100 million per year. Trump, not one to shy away from public discourse, took to Truth Social to express his delight at the news, disparaging Colbert's talent and ratings. On Monday's broadcast, Colbert fired back using his "Eloquence Cam," sarcastically thanking Trump and even making a bold satirical retort.
Colbert's tenure at 'The Late Show' has been marked by his biting political commentary, often targeting Trump. However, in an uncharacteristically subdued comment, Colbert offered a restrained critique of Trump’s capabilities as president. This came shortly after Colbert's open criticism of a $16 million settlement between CBS's parent company Paramount and Trump, which Colbert referred to as a "big fat bribe."
Matthew Belloni, an industry journalist, reported the production costs of 'The Late Show' to be around $100 million annually, with Colbert's own salary falling between $15 million and $20 million. Despite leading in ratings over competitors like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, the show struggled to remain profitable amidst declining advertiser revenue and the audience's shift to streaming and mobile content.
Colbert learned of the potential cancellation around July 4th, with Paramount Co-CEO George Cheeks making the final call. Sources revealed that Colbert addressed his team with a "matter-of-fact" attitude after receiving official confirmation. The support for Colbert was evident on Monday’s show, with appearances from prominent entertainment figures, all showing solidarity.
The television landscape is witnessing a transformative era as traditional formats battle for survival against digital platforms. Colbert's imminent departure from late-night TV underscores the challenges faced by networks in adapting to the changing media consumption habits.
