Late-Night TV's Tough Times: Is Colbert's Exit Just About Money?
New York, USASat Jul 19 2025
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CBS has decided to end Stephen Colbert's late-night show, saying it's all about money. But many people think there's more to it. Colbert has been a big critic of President Donald Trump, and some believe that might have played a role in the decision.
Late-night TV is facing some serious challenges. Advertising money has dropped a lot in recent years. In 2018, networks made about $439 million from late-night ads. Last year, that number was only $220 million. Young men, who used to love these shows, are now watching streaming services instead.
Streaming services are taking over. For the first time, more people watched shows on platforms like YouTube and Netflix than on traditional TV networks. This shift is making things tough for networks like CBS.
CBS says the decision to cancel Colbert's show is purely financial. But not everyone believes them. Colbert recently criticized CBS for paying Trump $16 million to settle a lawsuit. Some people think CBS might be trying to avoid more trouble with Trump.
The future of late-night TV is uncertain. Other hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Stewart are also facing changes. Trump has been celebrating Colbert's exit, calling it a win. But for many, it's a sign of bigger problems in the TV industry.
https://localnews.ai/article/late-night-tvs-tough-times-is-colberts-exit-just-about-money-f4b38533
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