Overview
- In a new GQ interview, Stephen Colbert says it is reasonable for people to think political pressure played a role but he declines to engage in that speculation and focuses on finishing the show’s run through May 2026.
- CBS has reiterated that canceling The Late Show was a business call unrelated to performance, content, or other corporate matters.
- Scrutiny has centered on Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes dispute and the timing with the Skydance merger review, which later won FCC approval.
- Colbert called the settlement damaging to the network’s reputation and said he learned of the cancellation through his manager rather than directly from CBS.
- Public figures including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff have questioned the decision’s motives, and Trump celebrated the cancellation on Truth Social.