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Digital Phablet – Stephen Colbert, a renowned comedian and political commentator, announced during his Thursday night broadcast that CBS plans to conclude his show “The Late Show” in May 2026.
In an official statement, CBS clarified that the decision to cancel the show stemmed solely from financial reasons and was not reflective of its viewership or content quality. This announcement follows Colbert’s critique regarding a settlement reached between Donald Trump and CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global.
Specifically, Paramount has consented to pay Trump $16 million to resolve a dispute concerning modifications made to an interview with Kamala Harris that aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes” in October 2024. Colbert has frequently parodied Trump on his show and referred to the settlement as a “big fat bribe” during a previous episode.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 14: U.S. President Donald Trump (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images/AFP)
Advocates for press freedom and commentators have branded Trump’s lawsuit, claiming CBS altered the interview to present Harris in a favorable light, as “frivolous.” Critics argue that this deal could bolster Trump’s audacity in his ongoing criticisms of the media.
Moreover, some Democratic figures suspect that Paramount might have engaged in exchanges with the Trump administration to facilitate governmental approval for its high-value merger with Skydance Media.
Colbert expressed uncertainty about regaining trust in CBS, jokingly adding, “But just guessing, I think $16 million would be helpful.”
During his Thursday announcement, Colbert indicated that “The Late Show” would not be replaced, stating, “All of this is just going away,” provoking a chorus of boos from the audience.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Response on Instagram
In the aftermath of the cancellation news, fellow host Jimmy Kimmel shared an Instagram Story that conveyed a dual sentiment: “Love you Stephen,” accompanied by an exclamation directed at CBS.
The premiere episode of “The Late Show” aired in 1993, with Colbert taking over hosting duties in 2015.
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