Colbert's Late Show: A Shocking Exit and Industry Shake-Up

Stephen Colbert, once the star of CBS' "The Late Show, " is stepping down. CBS announced the cancellation of his show in July, with the final episode set for May 2026. This decision stirred up a lot of talk, especially because it came right after Colbert criticized CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, for settling a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump. Colbert's show was known for its strong political views, often targeting Trump and supporting Democratic ideas. But CBS said the cancellation was all about money, not politics. They claimed the show was losing a lot of money, around $40 million a year, and that late-night TV just isn't as profitable as it used to be.Some people think the timing of the cancellation was suspicious. It happened just as Paramount was trying to merge with Skydance Media, a deal that needed approval from Trump's FCC chair. Critics, including top Democrats, accused CBS of making a political move. But CBS insisted it was just a business decision. The news sent shockwaves through the late-night TV world. Colbert's show was doing pretty well in its time slot, even if it wasn't beating Fox News' Greg Gutfeld. Some experts think the real issue is that fewer people are watching traditional TV, making late-night shows less valuable. Colbert hasn't let the cancellation stop him from speaking his mind. He's continued to criticize Trump and has had some big-name guests, like Taylor Swift and political figures like Jen Psaki and Rachel Maddow. But with his show ending soon, it's unclear what's next for Colbert and late-night TV.