Rob Schneider reflects on Stephen Colbert’s recent firing from CBS, stating that the decision was influenced by Colbert’s controversial political stance and the network’s financial losses. He argues that Colbert’s show reportedly costs CBS $40 million per year and has significantly alienated conservative viewers. Schneider acknowledges Colbert’s bold criticism of his employer, CBS/Paramount, and his comments on the network’s alleged settlement with President Trump. He highlights how Colbert’s show has excluded conservatives entirely and limited the exposure of opposing viewpoints, which he believes contributed to its decline in ratings and financial performance.
He also touches on Colbert’s most partisan moments, such as leading Biden fundraisers and dancing with Senator Schumer. Schneider criticizes Colbert for his stance on the vaccine, particularly his use of dancing syringes on his talk show and his suggestion that individuals who refuse to take the vaccine should be denied hospital care. Schneider shares his personal experiences with censorship, mentioning that his outspoken views led to his job loss in the movie industry as well as a previous position. He argues that while free speech is protected by the First Amendment, private companies can choose to terminate employees for their opinions, as they are not bound by the same constitutional constraints.
He questions the timing of Colbert’s departure from CBS, suggesting that the network’s decision may have been accelerated by political tensions. Schneider points out that the late-night talk show format is becoming obsolete, with younger audiences favoring different platforms. He argues that the shift in media consumption has made CBS’s position more vulnerable to the pressures of political correctness. Finally, Schneider concludes that the cultural paradigm of ‘woke’ ideology is in decline, and networks like CBS are no longer cowed by such movements, leading to a more open political discourse.