Sunny Hostin Calls Stephen Colbert’s Firing “The Dismantling of Our Democracy” on The View

On The View, Sunny Hostin fiercely criticized CBS for canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, calling it “the dismantling of our democracy” if politically motivated. While some panelists cited financial reasons, Hostin argued it was more about silencing voices and suppressing free speech. Including Sara Haines, pointed to financial reasons behind the move, Hostin remained skeptical, stressing that the show’s success should not be dismissed. The bigger question remains: Is this just a financial decision, or is it part of a broader effort to suppress voices in the entertainment industry? Find out more about this heated debate 👇👇👇

Sunny Hostin Calls Stephen Colbert’s Firing a “Dismantling of Our Democracy” on The View

The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has ignited intense debate across the entertainment world, and nowhere has the controversy been more heated than on The View. On Tuesday’s broadcast, co-host Sunny Hostin delivered a passionate and fiery commentary, accusing CBS of undermining democracy by canceling Colbert’s show, calling it “the dismantling of our Constitution.”

Hostin’s Bold Claim

Hostin’s remarks came in response to CBS’s announcement that the network would be ending Colbert’s late-night program after years of successful viewership. While CBS cited financial concerns and a changing landscape in late-night television as the driving factors, Hostin wasn’t convinced. She pushed back by suggesting that if the decision was indeed politically motivated, it represented a significant threat to free speech.

“If it is political, this is the dismantling of our democracy. This is the dismantling of our Constitution,” Hostin declared. “That means the very rubric of our democracy is being dismantled. And I think every single person should be really, really concerned about it.”

Her comments sparked applause from the audience and amplified the growing public debate about the influence of politics on media decisions. For Hostin, this wasn’t just about a late-night show being canceled—it was about the potential suppression of dissent and political expression.

The Role of Political Pressure

Hostin’s theory hinges on the idea that CBS, under significant political and corporate pressures, decided to silence Colbert’s voice—one that has become known for sharp political commentary and critiques of the Trump administration. Hostin was not alone in expressing concerns about political interference. Several other The View co-hosts echoed her concerns, with Joy Behar adding that Colbert’s departure might be part of a broader effort to protect the interests of powerful figures in the media and politics.

“Comedians are supposed to make fun of the king,” Behar added. “This guy has the skin thinner than… I don’t know, than this card. He was insulted by Obama at the Correspondent’s Dinner that time, and he’s such a vengeful guy.”

The Financial Argument

Despite Hostin’s fiery political defense, co-host Sara Haines presented a more pragmatic take on the situation. Haines pointed out that the numbers do suggest the cancellation could indeed have a financial basis. “Advertising has dropped by 40 percent since 2018 as ad revenue moves to digital content and nontraditional media,” Haines explained, referencing the declining advertising revenue across the late-night landscape. “The show lost $40 million, and the show’s budget was over $100 million. So, the idea that CBS canceled it purely because of political reasons doesn’t quite add up.”

This financial reality was further elaborated when Hostin referenced The Late Show‘s ad revenue of $59.9 million, despite a slight year-over-year decline. While the numbers were not insignificant, the network may have considered the show’s overall cost—both in terms of production and the network’s broader financial strategy. However, Hostin was skeptical, arguing that if the show’s ratings and viewership were still solid, CBS’s explanation for the move didn’t make complete sense.

The Larger Debate on Free Speech and Corporate Influence

What became clear in the conversation was the underlying theme of corporate influence in media and its impact on free expression. For Hostin and other panelists, the cancellation of a top-rated late-night show like The Late Show was seen as symptomatic of a larger issue in the entertainment industry—one where corporate and political pressures suppress voices that don’t align with mainstream interests.

Hostin pointed to figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders, who have called for an investigation into CBS’s decision, furthering the belief that there are larger, more troubling forces at play in the media. The Writers Guild has also joined in, requesting that the attorney general look into the political motivations behind the cancellation.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Late-Night TV?

As The Late Show approaches its final season in 2026, the industry is left to wonder what the future of late-night television holds. Will it continue to evolve into a sanitized, corporate-controlled version of itself, or will there be room for more diverse, independent voices to emerge?

The recent controversies around Colbert’s show, combined with the broader trend toward more politically driven programming, have left many questioning whether the late-night format is shifting toward more conservative, risk-averse content. Stewart’s and Hostin’s criticisms speak to the growing concerns over the impact of corporate influence on free speech and creativity within the television industry.

Conclusion: A Battle Over Creative Control

For now, the battle over Colbert’s departure—and the larger conversation about corporate influence in media—remains unresolved. As the public continues to debate whether CBS’s decision was politically motivated or financially driven, The View’s fiery exchange has added new layers to the discussion. Hostin’s call to action emphasizes the broader cultural stakes, encouraging audiences to reflect on the importance of protecting freedom of expression in the media.

With CBS’s decision looming large in the late-night TV landscape, it’s clear that the industry is at a crossroads. Whether Colbert’s departure marks the beginning of a more controlled and corporate-driven future or signals a moment for the industry to reinvigorate creativity and political satire remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the fight for authenticity and creative freedom in late-night television is far from over.