Stephen Colbert, the late-night host, addressed the speculation that the cancellation of his show, ‘The Late Show,’ was influenced by political factors during an interview. While he admitted that such theories were ‘reasonable,’ he emphasized that it wasn’t his reaction to the decision, which he attributed to CBS’s financial considerations. Colbert discussed the broader context, including the recent $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, suggesting it may have influenced the network’s decision. He maintained that his primary role as a professional was to accept the network’s decision, even though he expressed personal feelings about not continuing with the show.
During the interview with GQ, Colbert touched on the financial motivations behind CBS’s decision to cancel ‘The Late Show,’ which will end in May 2026. He acknowledged that the network’s decision to pay $16 million to Trump over a lawsuit involving the ’60 Minutes’ interview with Kamala Harris could have implications. However, he also stressed that it wasn’t his place to speculate or comment on the internal decision-making process of the network. This perspective aligns with his usual approach, where he balances personal expressions with professional obligations.
Colbert’s political leanings as a strong Democratic Party supporter were highlighted in the context of his fundraising for Joe Biden. Despite the personal and political implications, he maintained a neutral stance on the network’s decision, focusing instead on the financial aspects. His comments came two days after the news of the Trump settlement, which drew significant attention and criticism. The potential financial and reputational impact of this settlement on CBS is a point of discussion, but Colbert emphasized that he was not involved in the financial calculations of the network.
The decision to cancel ‘The Late Show’ was announced in July, and Colbert’s manager was informed weeks before the official announcement. This process underscores the complex relationship between the host and the network, where personal and professional considerations intersect. While Colbert expressed feelings about not completing the show, he acknowledged that such thoughts were not productive in the context of the network’s decision. His comments reflect a balanced approach to the situation, where he acknowledges the speculation while maintaining a focus on professional obligations.