Why Did CBS Really Cancel Stephen Colbert? It’s More Than Just Business
When CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, it sent shockwaves through the late-night TV world. Fans were baffled. Critics raised eyebrows. And Fox News host Howard Kurtz? He’s downright skeptical about the official explanation that this was a purely financial move. In fact, Kurtz says there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes — and it’s tied to some serious political drama.
The Official Line vs. The Real Story
CBS and its parent company, Paramount, insist that Colbert’s show was cut solely because of financial pressures and declining late-night viewership. With fewer young people tuning into traditional late-night slots, CBS claims it just didn’t make sense to keep the show running. But Kurtz, speaking on Media Buzz Sunday, called BS on that narrative.
He accused Paramount of canceling Colbert’s show to curry favor with the Trump administration, aiming to smooth over a crucial business deal. Here’s the kicker: Paramount is trying to sell its network to Skydance, but that deal requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). And the Trump administration has a say in whether that deal goes through.
“This isn’t just about ratings or revenue,” Kurtz said bluntly during his discussion with Brian Steinberg, senior TV editor at Variety. “This is about Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder at Paramount, trying to get Trump’s thumbs-up on the sale. And she’s willing to do whatever it takes — even if it means tarnishing a network once synonymous with journalistic legends like Murrow and Cronkite.”
Stephen Colbert: The Biggest Name in CBS Late Night
Kurtz made an important point: Stephen Colbert wasn’t just some random late-night host. For nearly a decade, he has been the number one late-night draw on CBS, building a loyal fanbase with his sharp wit and political commentary. So, to say the decision had nothing to do with content or politics seems disingenuous.
“Colbert is the biggest name CBS has in late night, no question,” Kurtz emphasized. “To blow up a show like his right now? It just doesn’t add up if you’re only looking at numbers.”
And he called out Skydance — the company trying to buy the network — implying they don’t really care about TV ratings or viewers, but are laser-focused on sealing the deal with the government.
The Backdrop: Colbert’s Criticism of Paramount’s Political Dealings
The timing of Colbert’s cancellation is also eyebrow-raising. Just days before the announcement, Colbert publicly slammed Paramount for cozying up to the Trump administration to get their deal approved.
On his show, Colbert openly criticized the network’s decision to settle a $16 million lawsuit filed by Trump over a controversial 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump accused the network of editing the interview unfairly to make Harris look better.
Colbert didn’t hold back: “I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: it’s Big Fat Bribe.”
That kind of outspoken stance didn’t sit well with Paramount’s bosses, many believe, and likely put Colbert on thin ice.
What Brian Steinberg Thinks
Brian Steinberg, who joined Kurtz on the show, weighed in with his own take. He agreed that the late-night landscape has changed — fewer young viewers are tuning in to these traditional time slots, and networks are feeling the pressure.
But more importantly, Steinberg highlighted the precarious position of Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder. “She’s on the verge of financial ruin if this deal with Skydance doesn’t go through,” he said. “This sale isn’t just a business transaction; it’s a lifeline. She’s in a really hot spot.”
According to Steinberg, the cancellation was less about the show itself and more about making the network more palatable to the Trump administration, who holds the keys to approving the sale.
The Fallout and Reactions
The news of The Late Show’s cancellation sparked outrage among Colbert’s peers and fans alike. Late-night hosts rallied in support, with many expressing shock and disappointment over the decision.
But if you thought everyone was upset, think again. Howard Kurtz pointed out one notable figure who was thrilled: Donald Trump himself.
On Friday, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, gloating over Colbert’s firing. “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was less than his ratings,” Trump wrote, adding a jab at another late-night host: “I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.”
What’s Next for Late Night TV?
With Colbert out, the late-night space at CBS is wide open, and speculation is swirling about what comes next. Will Skydance bring in new talent? Will they shift away from politically charged content? Only time will tell.
But one thing’s clear: the decision to cut The Late Show wasn’t just a business move. It’s tangled in politics, power plays, and high-stakes negotiations that have put the future of late-night TV — and the network itself — in question.
Key Takeaways:
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Colbert’s Cancellation Isn’t Just About Money: Industry insiders, like Howard Kurtz, believe politics played a major role.
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Paramount’s Sale to Skydance Depends on Trump: Approval from the FCC, under Trump’s administration, is crucial.
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Colbert Called Out Paramount’s Deal: His recent criticism of the company’s political dealings may have sealed his fate.
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Shari Redstone’s Financial Future at Stake: The controlling shareholder needs this sale to succeed.
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Trump Celebrates the Cancellation: The former president publicly mocked Colbert and hinted at targeting other late-night hosts.
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