CBS Cancels The Late Show: Was It About Money or Political Pressure?

On July 17, 2025, CBS stunned the entertainment world by announcing the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, set to end in May 2026 after 33 years of dominance in the late-night landscape. The decision, framed as a necessary financial move in response to declining late-night viewership, has sparked intense speculation about the true reasons behind the move, especially considering the timing.

The CBS Announcement: Financial or Political?

CBS executives, including co-CEO George Cheeks and president of CBS, Amy Reisenbach, claimed that the cancellation was “purely financial,” citing difficulties in the current late-night television environment and declining ad revenue as the primary reasons for ending the show. Despite Colbert’s consistent performance—averaging 2.5 million viewers per night—the network stated that The Late Show was no longer profitable, which directly contradicted the show’s success in maintaining high ratings in a competitive market.

However, the timing of the cancellation—just days after Colbert openly criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump—has raised red flags. Colbert, during his July 15 monologue, slammed the settlement as a “big fat bribe,” referencing a 60 Minutes interview edit with Kamala Harris. This outspokenness, coupled with the looming merger of Paramount and Skydance Media, has led many to wonder if the decision to cancel Colbert was politically motivated.

Kimmel’s Response: A Bold Statement of Defiance

As the news of Colbert’s cancellation reverberated through the media, fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel quickly chimed in with a provocative Instagram story: “Love you Stephen. F— you and all your Sheldons, CBS.” The comment, part emotional tribute and part scathing critique, was aimed at CBS’s handling of the situation, and the “Sheldons” reference was likely a dig at CBS’s over-reliance on shows like The Big Bang Theory, which continue to dominate its primetime lineup.

Kimmel’s response wasn’t just a personal message to Colbert; it was a declaration of war against a network that Kimmel believes is compromising its editorial integrity. His words ignited further discussions on social media, with many fans and industry insiders voicing their support for Colbert and questioning whether CBS’s actions were motivated by political influence.

The Political Dimensions: Was This Retaliation?

The timing of Colbert’s firing—so soon after his criticism of CBS’s handling of the Trump settlement—has raised suspicions of political retaliation. Colbert’s comments were not just a criticism of CBS’s corporate decisions but a public rebuke of the network’s willingness to settle a lawsuit involving the former president. Democratic figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Adam Schiff have since called for transparency, asking whether Colbert’s show was canceled because of his outspoken political views.

Warren’s tweet highlighted the potential for political motives behind the cancellation, stating: “CBS canceled Colbert’s show just three days after he criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump—a deal that looks like a payoff. The public deserves to know if this was canceled for political reasons.”

Fox News Possibility: A Surprising Turn of Events

As the media speculation intensifies, one of the most provocative rumors making the rounds is that Colbert could make an unexpected move to Fox News. While it may seem counterintuitive given Colbert’s liberal politics, the idea of him joining Fox News, known for its conservative stance, offers an intriguing possibility. Fox has been diversifying its programming in recent years, expanding beyond overtly political content into lifestyle and entertainment shows to attract a broader, younger audience.

For Colbert, the opportunity to rebrand himself on a new platform may provide an alternative to the traditional late-night formula that is increasingly struggling in the streaming age. His ability to blend humor with political commentary could bring a fresh perspective to Fox News, perhaps even in a more satirical or hybrid news-comedy format.

Challenges and Obstacles

While a move to Fox News seems unlikely, several factors could make it plausible. For one, Colbert has shown an ability to engage with a wide range of political perspectives, especially during his Colbert Report days, where he parodied conservative figures. His humor, which poked fun at both sides of the political spectrum, might make him a suitable candidate for a less partisan Fox program. However, such a shift would be a dramatic departure from Colbert’s established brand and could alienate his loyal liberal fanbase.

Moreover, Colbert’s deep political convictions, especially regarding his criticism of Trump and conservative policies, make the idea of aligning with Fox News difficult. His audience might see such a move as a betrayal, and it could create a significant backlash.

Alternative Paths for Colbert

If Fox News is a long shot, Colbert’s future could lie in other avenues. Comedy Central might be an option, given that it was the network where he honed his craft, or streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu that are increasingly investing in talk shows and comedy specials. His high digital engagement, with viral monologues and clips, makes him an attractive candidate for streaming platforms looking to attract an audience.

Colbert could also pivot to podcasting or independent ventures, where he could create content free from the restrictions of network executives and corporate oversight. His ability to engage with audiences directly—whether through social media or more personal platforms—could prove to be a lucrative and effective way for him to continue his career without the constraints of traditional television.

The Bigger Picture: Late-Night TV’s Changing Landscape

The cancellation of The Late Show and Colbert’s potential career pivot are part of a broader transformation in late-night television. The genre is grappling with an increasing fragmentation of audiences, declining viewership, and the rising influence of streaming platforms and digital media. Shows like GUTFELD! and the departure of Colbert’s peers, including Trevor Noah, reflect the shifting tides of late-night TV.

CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show without a clear replacement may signal the end of an era. The question now is whether Colbert’s cancellation represents the closing of a chapter for political late-night commentary or the beginning of a new, independent future for comedians who dare to challenge the corporate and political status quo.

What’s Next for Colbert?

The cancellation of The Late Show and the subsequent rumors of Colbert’s potential move to Fox News have raised critical questions about the future of late-night television and the role of political satire. For now, Colbert remains a major figure in the media landscape, and where he lands next will shape the evolution of comedy, politics, and media.

As for CBS, the fallout from this decision will likely reverberate throughout the entertainment world for years to come. Whether Colbert’s next steps involve a move to Fox News, a streaming platform, or something entirely unexpected, one thing is clear: Colbert’s voice is not easily silenced, and his next move will be one to watch closely.