logo
CBS staffers question why Stephen Colbert's show was canceled, calling it a ‘chilling of free speech'

CBS staffers question why Stephen Colbert's show was canceled, calling it a ‘chilling of free speech'

New York Post5 days ago
CBS staffers are questioning the motives and timing behind the network's decision to cancel 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.'
The late-night landscape was rocked when CBS and host Stephen Colbert announced 'The Late Show' was coming to an end in May 2026, ending the franchise after more than 30 years on the air.
'I am having a hard time believing it,' one CBS staffer told Fox News Digital.
CBS said in a statement that it was 'purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,' but the network insider wasn't buying it.
'I've lost interest in extreme POVs on either end, but I see this as a chilling of free speech and the timing seems to send a strong message that this is cause and effect for what he said about the settlement,' the CBS staffer said. 'The CBS leadership could have cloaked it somehow, but made a decision not to.'
5 The late-night landscape was rocked when CBS and host Stephen Colbert announced 'The Late Show' was coming to an end in May 2026.
colbertlateshow/Instagram
5 CBS said in a statement that it was 'purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,' but the network insider wasn't buying it.
Christopher Sadowski
'This one action against Colbert will change multiple peoples' willingness to give their opinions or perspectives – that's how I see it,' the staffer added.
Just days before the announced cancellation, Colbert took aim at his corporate bosses at parent company Paramount Global for settling President Donald Trump's lawsuit.
'I believe this kind of complicated financial sentiment with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles. 'It's a 'big fat bribe,'' Colbert told his audience. 'Because it all comes as Paramount's owners are trying to get the Trump administration to approve the sale of our network to a new owner, Skydance!'
5 Stephen Colbert on The Late Show.
CBS via Getty Images
5 Just days before the announced cancellation, Colbert took aim at his corporate bosses at parent company Paramount Global for settling President Donald Trump's lawsuit.
CBS via Getty Images
There had been concerns within Paramount that not settling Trump's lawsuit would halt its Skydance merger, which needs the approval of the FCC. The merger is expected to move forward this year.
A second CBS staffer told Fox News Digital 'the timing is weird,' suggesting it's tied with the forthcoming merger but didn't rule out the financial reasoning the network gave.
'I mean with the layoffs and everything that's happened recently nothing surprises me,' the staffer said, later adding that the 'timing is definitely sketchy though.'
Paramount did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
While many critics, including top Democrats, have speculated the late-night cancellation was a political one, one report shed light on the financial struggles of 'The Late Show.'
Puck News' Matt Belloni reported the late-night show has been losing 'more than $40 million a year' for CBS and that it had a budget of 'more than $100 million per season,' contrasting it with network's daytime and primetime programming, which he noted were 'still profitable.'
5 A second CBS staffer told Fox News Digital 'the timing is weird,' suggesting it's tied with the forthcoming merger but didn't rule out the financial reasoning the network gave.
AFP via Getty Images
''Late Show,' with its topical humor and celebrity interviews pegged to specific projects, has struggled on Paramount+. And of the three network late-night shows, 'Late Show' has by far the smallest digital footprint on YouTube and other platforms,' Belloni wrote. 'So from a business perspective, the cancellation makes sense.'
'Colbert gets no advertising and late night is a tough spot,' one person with knowledge of CBS' decision told FOX Business' Charles Gasparino.
Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!
Belloni said the sources he spoke with at CBS and Skydance Media, the company that is set to buy the network's parent company Paramount Global as part of an $8 billion merger, insist Colbert's cancellation was 'based on economics, not politics,' pointing to the decision to give his show a 10-month extension instead of pulling the plug immediately as evidence.
'Still, two other people with deep ties to CBS and Late Show suspect otherwise,' Belloni said. 'After all, when a network decides that a show is too expensive, executives typically go to the key talent and ask them to take pay cuts, fire people, or otherwise slash costs. That didn't happen here—though with Colbert said to be making between $15 million and $20 million per year, a pay cut wouldn't have solved the problem on its own.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Pure Cowardice!': David Letterman Tears Apart 'Gutless' CBS Over Colbert Cancellation
'Pure Cowardice!': David Letterman Tears Apart 'Gutless' CBS Over Colbert Cancellation

Yahoo

time28 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

'Pure Cowardice!': David Letterman Tears Apart 'Gutless' CBS Over Colbert Cancellation

Former 'Late Show' host David Letterman scorched CBS on Friday and took aim at his old network's leadership over the decision to cancel the Stephen Colbert-led franchise, one he began over three decades ago. 'I think one day, if not today, the people at CBS who have manipulated and handled this are going to be embarrassed because this is gutless,' he told former 'Late Show' producers Barbara Gaines and Mary Barclay in a Zoom chat uploaded to his YouTube page. Letterman — in his first public comments since the network's shock announcement — called the move 'pure cowardice' before alluding to its parent company Paramount Global's $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over his widely panned '60 Minutes' lawsuit. The settlement raised questions as it arrived weeks before the Trump-favoring Federal Communications Commission chair approved a multibillion-dollar deal Thursday that sees Paramount merging with Skydance Media, which is headed by multibillionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison's son David Ellison. CBS has claimed that the move to cancel 'The Late Show' — hosted by a frequent Trump critic in Colbert — was 'purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.' While reports have indicated that the program faced financialchallenges in recent years, Letterman argued that 'goons' like David Ellison know all too well that the TV business isn't the same as it once was. 'There's no fairness to these goons. You're telling me they don't know that? These guys are bottom feeders. That's exactly what this is. Of course they know that broadcast television is withering,' he said. 'So now they just want to make sure — on top of buying something that doesn't have the same value as it had 30 years ago — they don't want to be hassled by the United States government. So they want CBS to take care of all of that mess!' Letterman further questioned if the network was 'losing so much money' with 'The Late Show.' 'They did not do the correct thing, they did not handle Stephen Colbert — the face of that network — in the way he deserves to have been handled,' he said. Earlier this week, Letterman uploaded a 20-minute video compilation to his YouTube page full of criticism directed at CBS during his 'Late Show' run. While he acknowledged that the news was both shocking and a 'bummer,' Letterman told his former producers that he loves the move for Colbert, nonetheless. 'He's a martyr, good for him,' Letterman said. 'If you listen carefully, you can hear them unfolding chairs at the [Television] Hall of Fame for his induction.' Related... Stephen Colbert Spots Awkward Moment Trump's Brain Went Into 'Low Battery Mode' Elizabeth Warren Slams Trump As 'Wannabe King' Amid Colbert Cancellation 'Coincidence' Stephen Colbert Absolutely Torches Corporate Bosses Amid New Trump Settlement Claim

Paramount To Release The Epic Conclusion 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' On 4K UHD Blu-Ray
Paramount To Release The Epic Conclusion 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' On 4K UHD Blu-Ray

Geek Vibes Nation

timean hour ago

  • Geek Vibes Nation

Paramount To Release The Epic Conclusion 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' On 4K UHD Blu-Ray

Paramount Home Entertainment has officially announced that the final installment in the action franchise Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning will be available to own on 4K UHD SteelBook, 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, and DVD on October 14, 2025. The film will also be available on Digital platforms on August 19th. The film is directed by Christopher McQuarrie, and it stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, alongside an ensemble cast including Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, and Angela Bassett. Fans who purchase the film can take a deep dive into the breathtaking production with behind-the-scenes interviews, exclusive commentary, and deleted footage not seen in theatres! Get the details below! Synopsis: Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – The Final Reckoning. Special Features BEHIND THE SCENES Taking Flight— Tom Cruise and director Christopher M c Quarrie take you through the biplanes stunt. Witness them push things to the next level to capture these incredible flight sequences. Tom Cruise and director Christopher M Quarrie take you through the biplanes stunt. Witness them push things to the next level to capture these incredible flight sequences. To The Depths— Dive in with Tom Cruise and director Christopher M c Quarrie to explore every detail of the water tank/moving gimbal, the special masks/water suits, and the rigorous planning and execution of this one-of-a-kind stunt. Dive in with Tom Cruise and director Christopher M Quarrie to explore every detail of the water tank/moving gimbal, the special masks/water suits, and the rigorous planning and execution of this one-of-a-kind stunt. To The North— Journey with the cast and crew to see how they filmed in extreme conditions to create the breathtaking sequence in the high Arctic of Svalbard. Journey with the cast and crew to see how they filmed in extreme conditions to create the breathtaking sequence in the high Arctic of Svalbard. Through the Mine— Explore the Middleton Mine as the team highlights the risks, challenges, and practical elements to pull off this incredible action sequence. Explore the Middleton Mine as the team highlights the risks, challenges, and practical elements to pull off this incredible action sequence. The Score—A behind-the-scenes look at the original music composed for the film. EDITORIAL CONTENT Deleted Footage Montage with Optional Commentary by Director Christopher M c Quarrie— Director Christopher M c Quarrie shares some of the stunning, never-before-seen deleted shots that did not make the final film. Director Christopher M Quarrie shares some of the stunning, never-before-seen deleted shots that did not make the final film. Olifants River Canyon with Optional Commentary by Director Christopher M c Quarrie— Director Christopher M c Quarrie details the difficulties of shooting the dangerous, low level flying sequence through the Olifants River Canyon in South Africa. Director Christopher M Quarrie details the difficulties of shooting the dangerous, low level flying sequence through the Olifants River Canyon in South Africa. Biplane Transfer with Optional Commentary by Director Christopher M c Quarrie and Tom Cruise—Tom Cruise and director Christopher M c Quarrie discuss the challenges of filming the highly technical and extremely dangerous biplane transfer stunt at high altitudes. COMMENTARIES Commentary by Director Christopher M c Quarrie and Tom Cruise— Enjoy a compelling, in-depth discussion with Christopher M c Quarrie and Tom Cruise. Enjoy a compelling, in-depth discussion with Christopher M Quarrie and Tom Cruise. Commentary by Director Christopher M c Quarrie, Editor Eddie Hamilton, and First Assistant Director Mary Boulding— Experience the film with riveting insights and analysis from these acclaimed filmmakers. Experience the film with riveting insights and analysis from these acclaimed filmmakers. Commentary by Composers Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey, and Score Producer Cécile Tournesac—Hear from the artists who enhance the action with thrilling music. PROMO SPOTS Parachute Burn— Watch Tom Cruise earn a Guinness World Record for the most burning parachute jumps by an individual. Snorri Rig Camera— Survival is in the details. See the unique camera set up for Tom as he does his parachute jump. Jump Flip— Witness Tom's epic jump. Long Wing— See Tom hang on to the wing of the biplane mid-flight. STILL GALLERIES Tom Cruise (Biography included) (Biography included) Christopher M c Quarrie Collaboration Supporting Cast ISOLATED SCORE TRACK Before we let you go, we have officially launched our merch store! Check out all of our amazing apparel when you click here and type in GVN15 at checkout for a 15% discount! Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more! For major deals and money off on Amazon, make sure to use our affiliate link!

David Letterman calls Paramount 'gutless' for canceling Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show'
David Letterman calls Paramount 'gutless' for canceling Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show'

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

David Letterman calls Paramount 'gutless' for canceling Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show'

David Letterman is questioning the motivations behind the shock cancellation of his former CBS home, "The Late Show." Speaking with former "Late Night with David Letterman" colleagues Barbara Gaines and Mary Barclay in a July 25 clip from "The Barbara Gaines Show" on Letterman's YouTube channel, the 78-year-old comedian did not hold back. He threw barbs at CBS parent company Paramount Global and David Ellison, who's slated to become CEO after Paramount merges with his Skydance Media in an $8.4 billion deal. "It's all very strange. It's very complicated, but it was a bit of a surprise, wasn't it?" Letterman said. As the 14-minute Zoom conversation continued, he eventually called Paramount pulling the plug on Stephen Colbert's show "pure cowardice" and "gutless." Letterman hosted the show from 1993 until 2015, at which point Colbert took over post-"Colbert Report." After Colbert announced on July 17 that "The Late Show" would be ending in May after more than 30 years, Paramount released a statement that called the move "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night." The media company also maintained: "It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount." While Colbert's show is the top rated at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT, it was losing a reported $40 million a year. David Letterman blasts explanation that 'Late Show' was canceled for financial reasons Letterman speculated that Paramount is capitulating to Ellison, who might not "want any trouble from that guy," referring to Colbert, long known for his political satire and criticism of President Donald Trump. "Not only are we going to get rid of that guy, we're going to get rid of the whole franchise so you don't have to worry about another guy," Letterman said in an impersonation of Paramount executives. "It's gone, buddy!" "I think it's sad, but what this indicates also is (Ellison doesn't) want any trouble along the lines of freedom of the press or free speech or freedom of expression," Letterman surmised. "They don't want to get their hands dirty; they don't want the government going after them." He also cast doubt on the explanation that the "Late Show" cancellation was "purely a financial decision." "I don't think it was money. I think it was all to make sure (Ellison was) solid spending dad's (Larry Ellison's) money," he said. "You're telling me losing this kind of money happened yesterday?" he said. "I bet they were losing this kind of money a month ago. I'll bet they were losing this kind of money six weeks ago, or they have never been losing money. "Take a look at the CBS News. It's still in business, and I'm not certain that that's a profit center," he continued. What Letterman said before: The ex-host's subtle jab at CBS amid Colbert 'Late Show' cancellation 'We've all got to kiss Stephen Colbert's ring' Letterman, who was complimentary of Colbert and the work he's done since taking over Letterman's show, went on to excoriate Paramount's treatment of its star talent. "They did not do the correct thing. They did not handle Stephen Colbert, the face of that network, in the way he deserves to have been handled," he said. Letterman went on to declare that those who decided the fate of "The Late Show" would regret the move. "One day, if not today, the people at CBS who have manipulated and handled this are going to be embarrassed because this is gutless," Letterman said. "Now we've all got to kiss Stephen Colbert's ring now," he added, joking that he's a "martyr" for his firing. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: David Letterman calls 'Late Show' cancellation 'gutless' Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store