Overview
- In his first show since the cancellation announcement, Colbert warned “les hostilités sont ouvertes” and pledged ten months of unbridled satire aimed at President Trump.
- He accused CBS’s parent of paying a $16 million “bribe” to President Trump to settle a lawsuit over a misleading Kamala Harris montage, questioning the network’s motives.
- President Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, prompting Colbert to unleash sharper barbs including a sketch renaming the Washington Commanders the “Washington Epsteins.”
- Hundreds of supporters and performers, including Sandra Oh, rallied outside the Ed Sullivan Theater with signs reading “Colbert reste ! Trump doit partir !” in solidarity with the host.
- CBS and Paramount Global cite annual losses of about $40 million and a drop in late-night ad revenue as financial justification even as they seek FCC approval for an $8 billion Skydance merger.