“He’s Just Not Funny” — Clay Travis Rips CBS for Canceling Colbert’s Late Show During Fiery Segment on Fox News Jesse Watters Primetime

The End of an Era for Late-Night Television

In a move that has stunned the entertainment industry, CBS has officially announced that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will come to an end next spring. The decision has sent shockwaves across the media landscape, fueling debates about the future of late-night television and the evolving tastes of American audiences.

The announcement comes on the heels of mounting controversy and declining ratings for Colbert, who for nearly a decade has been a defining voice in late-night comedy and political satire. The abrupt cancellation, which followed Colbert’s public criticism of CBS and commentary on a $16 million settlement involving former President Donald Trump, has many speculating about the real reasons behind the network’s decision.

Clay Travis Weighs In: “He’s Not Funny”

The cancellation sparked immediate reactions from across the political spectrum. On Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime,” OutKick founder Clay Travis did not mince words, declaring,
“He’s not funny. That’s the real reason for the ratings collapse. Audiences want to laugh, not be lectured.”

Travis’s blunt assessment reflects a growing sentiment among critics that Colbert’s brand of politically charged humor, once seen as sharp and timely, has become divisive and alienating for a significant portion of viewers.

Colbert’s Rise and Fall: From Satirical Darling to Political Lightning Rod

Stephen Colbert took over “The Late Show” from David Letterman in 2015, bringing with him a loyal fanbase from his days at “The Colbert Report.” Initially, Colbert’s incisive political humor—especially his critiques of the Trump administration—captured the zeitgeist and propelled the show to the top of the late-night ratings.

But as America’s political climate grew more polarized, so too did Colbert’s comedy. What began as bipartisan satire gradually evolved into pointed, left-leaning commentary. While this approach resonated with liberal audiences, it increasingly alienated conservative viewers and those seeking more neutral entertainment.

Media analysts note that the late-night format, once a unifying force in American culture, has become another front in the country’s political divide.
“The goal of late-night television has always been to unite people through humor,” said one analyst. “When the satire becomes one-sided, it risks losing its broad appeal.”

The $16 Million Settlement and Internal Strife at CBS

Colbert’s final months at CBS were marked by escalating tensions with network executives. The tipping point reportedly came after a contentious $16 million settlement between CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, and Donald Trump’s legal team. The lawsuit centered on allegations that CBS deceptively edited an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign, allegedly damaging her public image.

Colbert did not hold back, publicly blasting CBS for the settlement and calling it a “big fat bribe.” He accused the network of caving to political pressure and betraying its values.

“CBS is trying to sweep this under the rug, but this is a huge mistake,” Colbert said in a monologue. “If we’re going to sell out to appease Trump’s people, we should just close the doors.”

His outspoken criticism exposed deep rifts within CBS, highlighting the challenges networks face in balancing profitability, talent management, and political content.

The Broader Decline of Late-Night TV

Colbert’s cancellation is part of a larger trend: the waning influence of traditional late-night television. With the rise of streaming platforms and social media, younger audiences are no longer tuning in to network TV for comedy or commentary. Instead, they seek out content on their own terms, often favoring authenticity and direct engagement over scripted monologues and celebrity interviews.

“The TV landscape has changed, and late-night TV is struggling to keep up,” said media analyst Sarah Wen. “Younger viewers want unfiltered commentary and the ability to interact with personalities in real time.”

The costs of producing high-profile late-night shows continue to rise, even as ratings decline and advertising revenues fall. Networks are now forced to reevaluate their investments and consider whether the traditional late-night format can survive in a rapidly changing media environment.

What’s Next for Late-Night TV?

With Colbert’s departure looming, the future of late-night television remains uncertain. Industry observers suggest that the next wave of late-night programming will need to be more flexible and diverse, offering a broader range of content and perspectives. Shows that rely too heavily on partisan political humor may struggle to maintain viewership, especially as audiences seek out more balanced and entertaining alternatives.

The shift to digital-first content may offer hope for the genre, but traditional networks like CBS will need to adapt quickly—rethinking their approach to talent, content, and audience engagement if they hope to remain relevant.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Colbert and the Genre

Stephen Colbert’s exit marks a pivotal moment not just for the comedian, but for late-night television as a whole. His departure, combined with growing audience dissatisfaction, signals that the old model of late-night TV is at a crossroads.

Whether the genre can evolve to meet the demands of modern viewers—or will fade into irrelevance, overshadowed by newer, more adaptable forms of entertainment—remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the world of late-night TV is changing, and its future has never been more unpredictable.

As Colbert’s era draws to a close, late-night television faces a fundamental question: adapt or disappear. The answer will shape the future of comedy, commentary, and American entertainment for years to come.