Overview
- Colbert says he was surprised by the July decision and learned of it from his manager, describing prior relations with CBS as “great.”
- CBS reiterates the cancellation is a purely financial move, with The Late Show to continue through May 2026 as Colbert focuses on “landing the plane.”
- Questions about political influence persist after Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Trump and the Skydance merger’s regulatory timing, though Colbert offers no claim of a quid pro quo.
- President Trump publicly celebrated the cancellation, and lawmakers including Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff have pressed the company on potential political considerations.
- Colbert acknowledges late-night’s strained economics and has joked about reported losses, with one leaked figure pegging annual shortfalls around $40 million, a number he has treated skeptically.