Stephen Colbert Show Canceled Amid Trump-CBS Settlement Controversy

Stephen Colbert’s top-rated late-night show is ending. CBS canceled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in a surprise move. The final episode will air in May 2026.

This decision shocked the industry. It follows a major settlement between CBS’s parent company and former President Donald Trump. Colbert has now broken his silence on the situation.

Colbert Responds to Political Speculation

In an interview with GQ magazine, Colbert addressed the cancellation directly. He called it “reasonable” for people to connect the show’s end to the Trump settlement. However, he stopped short of making that accusation himself.

Colbert noted his show has been number one for nine straight years. He quipped to GQ that his is “the first number one show to ever get canceled.” The official reason from CBS was financial pressures in late-night television.

A Contentious $16 Million Settlement

The controversy stems from a lawsuit Trump filed against CBS and its news program “60 Minutes.” Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, settled that lawsuit for $16 million. This occurred as Paramount pursued a merger needing regulatory approval.

Colbert discussed the settlement on his show. He called it a “big fat bribe” in legal circles. Shortly after that segment aired, he learned his show was canceled.

Network Decisions and Industry Impact

Colbert told GQ his professional reaction is to accept the network’s decision. He expressed confusion over the settlement, given that Paramount’s own lawyers found the lawsuit meritless. He said the payment was damaging to the network’s reputation.

The host maintained he has had a great relationship with CBS. He said the lack of preamble made the cancellation particularly surprising. The decision marks a full exit from late-night programming for the network.

The cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s flagship program signals a dramatic shift in the television landscape. This Stephen Colbert show canceled story continues to raise questions about corporate influence in media.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was Stephen Colbert’s show really canceled?

CBS officially cited financial challenges in late-night TV. Colbert acknowledges speculation about political motives but has not confirmed them himself.

How long has Colbert hosted The Late Show?

Stephen Colbert took over the show nearly ten years ago. His final episode is scheduled for May 2026.

What was Colbert’s ratings performance?

His show was the top-rated program in late night for nine consecutive years. It recently won the Emmy for best talk series.

How did politicians react to the cancellation?

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff publicly questioned the decision. They suggested it might be politically motivated.

What did Colbert say about the Trump settlement?

He called the $16 million payment a “big fat bribe” on his show. He expressed confusion over why CBS would settle a meritless case.

Trusted Sources

GQ, CBS, Reuters, Associated Press