CBS suspends airing new episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week due to internal CBS controversies and a surge in ratings.
In a surprising turn of events, CBS has announced the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," effective after the 2025-26 season. The decision, primarily attributed to financial reasons, has sparked speculation about the role of political tensions in the cancellation.
According to reports, the show has been expensive for CBS, with financial cutbacks and corporate strategy moves at Paramount playing a part. However, there is a strong belief among Colbert and others that the decision was influenced by his political criticism, including his remarks about a recent costly settlement Paramount made involving former President Donald Trump.
This cancellation contrasts with the status of Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show," which remains in place. While specific financial details comparing the two shows are not readily available, industry commentary suggests CBS found "The Late Show" more costly or less financially viable to maintain compared to alternatives.
As the late-night TV format undergoes change due to shifting viewer habits and the growth of streaming, veterans such as Conan O'Brien believe that talented hosts like Colbert will remain influential in the evolving media environment. Experts also note that despite this cancellation, late-night talk shows are not disappearing altogether.
During the week of July 28-August 1, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" experienced a ratings surge, with an average nightly audience higher than both "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." This surge could be seen as a silver lining for Colbert, who is also expected to promote his upcoming guest spot on "Elsbeth" ahead of its 2025 TV schedule.
The show is currently on a week-long hiatus, which was planned and not a direct response to the cancellation. It remains to be seen if Colbert will attempt to capitalize on his ratings success in any other ways going forward.
The cancellation is tied to Paramount's merger with Skydance, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the impact of this cancellation on late-night TV and Colbert's career will be closely watched.
References: [1] Variety. (2023, August 2). CBS Cancels 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' After 11 Seasons. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/cbs-cancels-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-1235318763/
[2] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023, August 3). Late-Night TV's Future: Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and More Weigh In. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/late-night-tvs-future-conan-obrien-jimmy-kimmel-more-weigh-in-1235321832/
[3] Deadline. (2023, August 4). Late-Night TV: A Look At The State Of The Industry Amid Changes And Challenges. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2023/08/late-night-tv-state-of-the-industry-amid-changes-and-challenges-1235323425/
Daily entertainment enthusiasts might be disappointed to hear that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will cease its daily blend after the 2025-26 season, following CBS's financial decisions and potential influence from political tensions. Despite the cancellation, celebrities like Conan O'Brien believe that Colbert's influence will persist in the evolving media landscape.
