Stephen Colbert’s Departure from CBS Sparks Reactions

Stephen Colbert has been let go by CBS, and reactions are mixed. Donald Trump seems to be celebrating, while many in Hollywood express their outrage. Meanwhile, it appears that the average viewer is largely indifferent.

As CBS faces new ownership, it seems that Skydance Media is not interested in having Colbert’s late-night show continue in its current form.

However, the situation is more complex. Analyzing the dynamics of power in television today reveals a channel in turmoil. Currently, less than 20% of Americans watch any network programming. The reasons? Well, much of it is perceived as boring, and there seems to be a cultural rift with many traditional Americans rejecting what they see as a liberal agenda in the media.

So, here’s an interesting perspective: due to my bestselling book and somewhat controversial views, I’ve made quite a few appearances on late-night shows—my 75th, to be exact. I’m familiar with the environment and the people involved.

Colbert has essentially derailed his own career. When he took over from David Letterman a decade ago, he had a great momentum built from his time lampooning figures on shows like “The Daily Show.” Sure, the humor had a point of view, but it was, at least to some extent, entertaining without being excessively hostile. I remember enjoying my discussions with John Stewart on those shows.

In recent years, Colbert’s audience has dwindled, losing over a million viewers. At his peak, just over two million households tuned in daily—but that has changed drastically.

The primary reason for this shift? Colbert’s strong anti-Trump sentiment. Eight million Americans voted for him, and many are likely not amused by Colbert’s repeated criticisms. Late-night shows need to cater to a broader audience; constant ideological zeal can become monotonous. Legendary host Johnny Carson understood this balance. He occasionally made bold comments but rarely took personal jabs at anyone.

Every late-night host has talent—that’s a given. It would be impossible to succeed otherwise. Letterman was famously sharp and edgy, and my interactions with him were memorable. He once called me a thug but didn’t manage to defend that claim when I confronted him.

Interestingly, despite his often grumpy demeanor, Letterman invited me back numerous times and even sent me thoughtful notes after each appearance. He always managed to keep things engaging without crossing into outright disdain.

In contrast, Jay Leno focused on stand-up comedy and shied away from politics, similar to Jimmy Fallon, who understands the cultural nuances on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Remember the backlash Fallon faced just for playfully fixing Trump’s hair?

Meanwhile, Kimmel, although I have personal respect for him, has waded into the political fray. It might be wise for him to embrace a more varied style of humor to avoid the same fate.

As for Jon Stewart, despite his immense talent, he appears to have also leaned heavily into the intense political commentary format. During my last debate with him, there was a momentary flicker of that old fun spirit, but it was fleeting.

And now, it seems, Colbert’s tenure at CBS has ended. With a change in ownership on the horizon, it’s clear that Skydance is not interested in a nightly leftist cheerleading show. Hollywood may miss Colbert, but it looks like he has plenty of time for reflection ahead.

I guess now it’s up to Donald Trump to see how this plays out.