CBS Faces Backlash Over “Late Show” Cancellation Amid Allegations of Political Motives

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and skepticism, CBS has announced the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” effective May 2026. The decision comes just three days after Colbert used his platform to lambast the network’s parent company, Paramount, over a $16 million legal settlement with President Donald Trump.

Colbert had been vocal about the settlement, which was reached over an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris that aired on “60 Minutes” ahead of the 2024 election. The host called the settlement a “big fat bribe” to end a “nuisance lawsuit,” and has been a frequent critic of Trump on his show.

CBS executives have attempted to downplay any suggestion that the cancellation was motivated by politics, instead attributing the decision to financial considerations. However, many are expressing doubt about the network’s claims, citing the timing of the announcement and Colbert’s history of criticizing Trump.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was among those who questioned the coincidence of the cancellation coming so soon after Colbert’s comments on the settlement. “It’s hard to believe that this is just a coincidence,” Sanders said.

Parker Molloy, writing for The New Republic, was more blunt in her assessment. “The Late Show isn’t dying because people stopped watching late-night TV,” she wrote. “It’s being murdered because Stephen Colbert spent the last decade being one of Trump’s most persistent critics on network television, and the billionaires about to take over CBS need Trump’s approval for their merger.”

The cancellation of “The Late Show” has sparked a wider debate about the role of corporate interests in shaping the media landscape and the potential for political censorship. As the media industry continues to evolve and consolidate, many are worried about the implications for free speech and the ability of journalists and commentators to hold those in power accountable.