“They’re Trying to Silence Me — But the Truth Still Stands”: Stephen Colbert Breaks His Silence After CBS Cancels The Late Show Days After Explosive Settlement Reveal
CBS has announced the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” just days after the host publicly blasted the network’s $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump—a move Colbert called a “big, fat bribe.” The decision has sparked widespread speculation about the true motives behind the show’s end, with Colbert himself refusing to stay silent.
A Sudden End for a Late-Night Staple
On Thursday, executives from CBS and its parent company, Paramount, confirmed that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will conclude its historic run in May 2026, at the end of the broadcast season. In their statement, the network said:
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and his broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”
CBS insisted the decision was “purely financial,” citing a challenging economic climate for late-night programming, and stressed that it was “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount.”
The Trump Settlement: The Spark That Lit the Fire
Despite the network’s assurances, the timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows. Just days before the cancellation, Colbert used his platform to sharply criticize CBS and Paramount for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump. Trump had accused the network of deceptively editing a 60 Minutes interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. While CBS admitted no wrongdoing, the settlement covered Trump’s legal fees and reportedly contributed to his presidential library fund. As part of the deal, Paramount also agreed to release unedited transcripts of 60 Minutes interviews with presidential candidates.
Colbert, 61, did not mince words during his opening monologue, calling the lawsuit a “nuisance” and mocking the network for settling a case they themselves had described as “completely without merit.” He quipped:
“And keep in mind, Paramount produced Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. They know ‘completely without merit.’”
Colbert also joked that, “You may take our money, but you will never take our dignity. You may, however, purchase our dignity for the low, low price of $16 million. We need the cash.”
He went on to call the settlement a “big, fat, bribe,” especially in light of Paramount’s $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media—a deal that requires approval from the Trump administration.
Political Fallout and Industry Reaction
The abrupt cancellation has fueled speculation about political retaliation. California Senator Adam Schiff, set to appear on Colbert’s show the night of the announcement, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“If Paramount and CBS ended The Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better.”
Industry insiders and fans alike are questioning whether Colbert’s outspokenness about the Trump settlement and the Skydance merger played a role in the network’s decision. The owner of Skydance, David Ellison, has expressed interest in a more neutral political tone, while his father, Larry Ellison, is a well-known Trump supporter and financial backer of the CBS deal.
Colbert Responds: “They’re Trying to Shut Me Up”
Colbert addressed the controversy directly on his show, brushing off rumors that the new corporate leadership would pressure him to soften his criticism of Trump. In characteristic style, he joked that his new mustache would make it impossible for executives to find and intimidate him.
But the mood turned somber when Colbert announced the show’s cancellation to his audience:
“Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May. It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced, this is all just going away.”
The news was met with boos from the audience, to which Colbert responded with gratitude for the opportunity to host one of late night’s most storied programs.
A Legacy in Jeopardy
Since its debut in 2015, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has been a mainstay of American late-night television, known for its sharp political satire and cultural commentary. The decision to retire both Colbert and the Late Show brand marks the end of an era.
CBS executives insist the move is about economics, not politics. But for many, the timing—coming days after Colbert’s public criticism of the Trump settlement and amid a high-stakes corporate merger—suggests otherwise.
As Colbert himself put it: “They’re trying to shut me up. But the truth is the truth.”
With The Late Show’s curtain call now set, the debate over free speech, corporate influence, and the future of political satire in America’s media landscape is only just beginning.
