CNN Analyst Reacts to Colbert’s Show Cancellation
During a recent broadcast, CNN’s Chief Media Analyst, Brian Stelter, expressed strong emotions regarding the announcement that Stephen Colbert’s late-night talk show would be ending in May 2026. CBS attributed the show’s cancellation to ongoing financial struggles.
Stelter raised eyebrows about the timing, considering Colbert’s vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump. “Colbert is such an outspoken Trump critic. He’s just back from vacation, and on his first night back, he really showed he’s a thorn in his parent company’s side,” Stelter explained to CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “For many of Colbert’s fans, this feels like CBS is giving in to the president,” he added, noting a flood of upset comments from fans on Colbert’s social media.
Stelter remarked on the financial aspects, comparing this situation to the earlier cancellation of James Corden’s show. “When ‘The Late, Late Show with James Corden’ ended, I reported that CBS couldn’t sell enough ads to keep it running. Well, that scenario seems to apply to Colbert’s show now too. I’ve heard from someone close to the network that ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ is technically unprofitable,” he stated, suggesting that this financial rationale supports the decision to conclude the series in May 2026.
He also hinted that Colbert may not have had the opportunity to salvage the show, perhaps due to the impending merger between Paramount and Skydance. “It’s not as if Colbert was offered a chance to take a pay cut, adjust the show’s format, or move out of the Ed Sullivan Theater,” Stelter said. “This seems to have all happened suddenly, coinciding with that significant merger involving Skydance and Larry Ellison, who has ties to Trump. So, there might be more layers to this story.” He noted more reporting would likely follow the rapid developments surrounding this news.
In a related context, CBS resolved a $10 billion lawsuit with Trump regarding edits made to an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle, which had raised internal concerns.
