CBS recently made headlines with the announcement that 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' will conclude in 2026, marking the end of a late-night era. The network's decision, arriving nearly a decade after Colbert succeeded David Letterman, has stirred a hornet's nest of political controversy.
On Thursday, CBS confirmed the show's impending closure, citing financial motivations. Despite being available in approximately 95 percent of U.S. households, 'The Late Show' averages 2.1 million viewers, reflecting a broader downward trend in traditional late-night viewership, as per Nielsen ratings reported by Trending Politics.
However, the timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows among Democratic lawmakers and liberal media figures, who have questioned the network's motives. The news came shortly after Colbert's on-air critique of CBS's legal settlement with Donald Trump.
California Senator Adam Schiff suggested on social media that the matter might warrant further scrutiny. "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know," he stated. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts echoed Schiff's suspicions, highlighting the proximity of the show's criticism to the cancellation announcement. "That looks like bribery," Warren contended. "America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."
The outcry wasn't limited to Capitol Hill. Katie Couric, a former CBS journalist, expressed her dismay and called for a more detailed explanation. John Avlon, previously with CNN, remarked on Colbert's enduring brand and following. MSNBC's Chris Hayes interpreted the cancellation as a potential threat to democratic values, suggesting that it could set a precedent for comedians facing repercussions for political satire.
Contrasting views emerged on social media, where some ridiculed Hayes' stance by bringing up the case of Douglas Mackey, whose conviction for posting a meme about Hillary Clinton was overturned. Meanwhile, progressive commentators like former NBC journalist and The Onion owner Ben Collins saw the cancellation as kowtowing to authoritarian influence. Former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill also expressed skepticism over the coincidental timing of the events.
In a statement, CBS extolled Colbert's legacy and announced that the 'THE LATE SHOW' brand would be retired with his departure. The network commended Colbert's contributions and assured that his legacy would stand tall among late-night legends.
As the show prepares for its final curtain in May 2026, the debate over the reasons behind its cessation continues to simmer, with many seeking clarity on whether financial considerations alone prompted the network's decision or if political undercurrents played a part.
