CBS has pulled the plug on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, effective May 2026. This move shakes the late-night scene and fuels political debate. The network announced the cancellation amid a pending merger between Paramount and Skydance Media. Many see this as more than a financial decision. Colbert recently criticized CBS parent Paramount for its $16 million settlement with Trump. The timing feels politically charged, especially since the show is the highest-rated in its slot.
Economic pressures loom large. The show costs $100 million a year and loses about $40 million in revenue. Experts argue that the old late-night model no longer makes sense in a YouTube-dominated era. Critics say the network handed the show its final blow just days after Colbert’s bold call-out. They wonder if political pressure played a hidden role.
Some voices in Washington agree. Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the move on social media. Others point to a merger with a company led by a Trump ally. The decision seems to mix money with politics, and its timing is too charged to be mere coincidence. The hip hop generation knows that when art meets political drama, the message always resonates on a deeper level.
SOURCE:
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
CBS Cancellation, Stephen Colbert, Paramount-Skydance Merger, Trump Settlement Criticism, Political Backlash
