Not Just Colbert — CBS Host Says Entire Late-Night Industry Is Collapsed
In the ever-evolving world of late-night television, a seismic shift is underway, one that has left many in the industry reeling. The recent announcement by CBS to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has ignited a firestorm of debate, particularly among liberal commentators who view the decision as a capitulation to political pressures. Tony Dokoupil, co-host of “CBS Mornings,” has emerged as a vocal critic of this backlash, arguing that the late-night landscape has fundamentally changed, and not necessarily for the better.
On a Tuesday morning broadcast, Dokoupil expressed his concerns about the state of the late-night industry, stating, “The business has collapsed.” He pointed out that the political climate has shifted dramatically, making the late-night arena more one-dimensional than it ever was during the heyday of Johnny Carson. “I think we should reflect on those changes. Culturally, this is a significant shift,” he remarked, highlighting the need for introspection within the industry.
The cancellation of Colbert’s show has been met with outrage from many in the liberal camp, including Jon Stewart, the former host of “The Daily Show.” Stewart, known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of CBS’s rationale for the cancellation. He dismissed the network’s claims that the decision was purely financial, suggesting instead that it was tied to the impending $8 billion merger between CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and Skydance Media. Stewart argued that the value of the merger was intricately linked to the very shows that CBS was now seeking to cancel and control.
In a passionate monologue, Stewart stated, “The shows that you are currently looking to cancel, censor, and control, a significant portion of that $8 billion value comes from those damn shows.” His comments struck a chord with many who believe that the decision to cancel Colbert’s show is indicative of a broader trend of silencing voices that challenge the status quo.
Dokoupil, however, took issue with Stewart’s assertions, suggesting that the late-night landscape is not solely dependent on the success of comedy shows. “I don’t have an MBA, but he’s wrong to suggest that this $8 billion merger is based on reruns of a comedy show,” Dokoupil countered. He emphasized that the current market is driven by a demand for films, sports, and other forms of entertainment, rather than the reruns of late-night programs. “So, I think he’s mistaken about that,” he concluded, defending the network’s decision.
Gayle King, another co-host of “CBS Mornings” and a frequent guest on “The Late Show,” offered a more nuanced perspective. She acknowledged the difficulty of disagreeing with corporate decisions while still valuing the work and contributions of those involved. “I think many people feel there’s a different way to do this,” King said, urging viewers to consider the broader implications of the cancellation. Her comments underscored the tension between corporate interests and the creative freedom that late-night hosts have traditionally enjoyed.
The outrage surrounding Colbert’s cancellation is not merely a reaction to the loss of a popular show; it reflects deeper concerns about the direction of late-night television and its role in shaping public discourse. Many liberal commentators view the decision as a strategic move to appease conservative audiences and align with the political climate fostered by former President Donald Trump. The fear is that this shift could lead to a homogenization of late-night content, stifling diverse voices and perspectives.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that Colbert’s show has reportedly been a financial drain on CBS, costing the network approximately $40 million a year with a staggering budget of $100 million per season. This financial reality has led some to question whether the cancellation is a pragmatic business decision rather than a politically motivated one. As late-night hosts like Colbert struggle to maintain viewership in an increasingly fragmented media landscape, the rise of alternative programming has further complicated matters.
One such alternative is “Gutfeld!” on Fox News Channel, which has emerged as the highest-rated late-night show, attracting an impressive 3 million viewers in the second quarter of 2025. The program has successfully captured the attention of a demographic that feels underserved by traditional late-night offerings, particularly among viewers aged 25-54. This shift in viewership raises questions about the future of liberal late-night programming and whether it can adapt to the changing tastes of audiences.
As the dust settles on the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” the late-night landscape remains in flux. The industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of political polarization, changing viewer preferences, and the financial realities of producing high-quality content. The voices of hosts like Colbert and Stewart have played a crucial role in shaping public discourse, but as the industry evolves, it remains to be seen whether those voices will continue to resonate or be drowned out by the forces of corporate interests and shifting political tides.
In the end, the cancellation of Colbert’s show serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing late-night television in the 21st century. As audiences seek out diverse perspectives and authentic voices, the industry must navigate the delicate balance between profitability and creative expression. The future of late-night television hangs in the balance, and only time will tell how this new chapter will unfold.
