Stephen Colbert’s Show Cancellation Reported to Manager Before Host
It seems that Stephen Colbert’s manager was aware of the impending cancellation of “The Late Show” on CBS more than two weeks prior to Colbert himself. A recent report suggests that the decision for the show’s end was significantly influenced by financial considerations.
While many fans had speculated that the cancellation stemmed from Colbert’s political leanings, sources have indicated, according to Leslie Goldberg from Ankler, that financial issues were the primary driving force.
The announcement’s timing raised eyebrows, particularly as it coincided with Colbert’s explosive remarks about Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, which he labeled as a “big fat bribe,” just as the merger with Skydance was awaiting approval. The network is witnessing a decline in its traditional audience, added the Ankler report.
Controversy Surrounding Cancellation
Colbert remarked last week that this settlement was part of a larger strategy by Paramount, implying limited resistance against corporate mergers.
According to informed sources, prior to CBS making their decision public, Colbert’s manager had been alerted by a CBS executive about forthcoming budget cuts affecting “The Late Show.” This report also mentioned that the show’s budget had already been trimmed, evidenced by the dismissal of five staff members last year.
Colbert Involved in Budget Cuts
Interestingly, it seems that Colbert himself was engaged in efforts to identify budget reductions, finding ways to keep the show afloat amid financial strains.
Goldberg’s report indicated that, just days before Paramount’s settlement announcement with Trump took place, manager James Dixon received notification that CBS was distancing itself from Colbert and “The Late Show.”
More than two weeks passed before Dixon broke the news to Colbert after a show taping on July 16th, which led to Colbert informing his audience about the cancellation the following day.
Efforts to contact Paramount for further comment have been made, and another report noted that the show is reportedly losing around $40 million annually for the network.
