Concerns Arise Over CBS Canceling Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show”
On Tuesday, Sunny Hostin from “The View” expressed worries that CBS’s decision to cancel Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” could signal a troubling trend, potentially undermining the Constitution.
CBS confirmed on Thursday that “Late Show” is set to conclude in May at the end of the current season. While CBS and its parent company, Paramount, framed the cancellation as a purely financial move—citing an annual loss of $40 million—many commentators believe there are political factors at play.
Just days prior to the announcement, Colbert criticized Paramount for its settlement with former President Donald Trump regarding a lawsuit related to “60 Minutes,” which coincided with the impending merger of Paramount and Skydance Media.
Hostin and her co-hosts expressed skepticism about CBS’s reasoning for the cancellation, especially concerning the timing. Hostin pointed out that if politics is involved, it could pose a threat to democratic structures.
“My main concern is that if this is political, then everybody should take note. It’s not just a left or right issue. It’s much bigger—it’s about the very foundation of our democracy,” Hostin remarked, receiving applause from the audience.
She emphasized the importance of press freedom and the right to speak truth to power, calling for transparency on the matter. Alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren and other prominent Democrats, Hostin criticized Colbert’s cancellation as part of a wider, hostile political atmosphere.
“We need to defend our Constitution and protect our democracy. This goes beyond just cancelling a television show!” she asserted.
Joy Behar, another co-host, pointed to Trump as a key player in the show’s cancellation, noting that if Colbert were to be taken down, it would be a significant risk for others as well.
“Comedians have always poked fun at those in power. It’s their role,” Behar stated. “When comedians are silenced, that sends a pretty alarming message.”
In response to Trump’s comments praising the cancellation, Colbert had previously fought back, questioning the president’s standards for humor and creativity.
