The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has called for a formal investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James into the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by CBS, announced on July 17, 2025, set to conclude in May 2026. The decision, attributed to financial reasons by CBS, follows a $16 million settlement between Paramount, CBS’s parent company, and President Donald Trump over a lawsuit claiming a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris was edited to favor her in the 2024 election. The WGA alleges potential misconduct, suggesting political motivations tied to the settlement and Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media. The move has ignited debates about media freedom and political influence in American television, with Colbert’s vocal criticism of Trump fueling speculation.
The announcement shocked fans and industry insiders, given Colbert’s decade-long tenure as host since taking over from David Letterman in 2015. His final episode before the news included sharp critiques of Trump’s health and ties to Jeffrey Epstein, amplifying suspicions of retaliation. The controversy underscores broader concerns about the future of late-night talk shows amid declining viewership and political pressures.
- Cancellation context: CBS cited financial challenges in the late-night slot as the primary reason.
- Public reaction: Fans and critics expressed outrage, suspecting political interference.
- Industry impact: The case highlights the precarious state of late-night television in the US.
Background of the Trump settlement
The $16 million settlement, roughly R$90 million, resolved a lawsuit filed by Trump against “60 Minutes” for allegedly manipulating a Kamala Harris interview aired in October 2024. Colbert, in his July 14, 2025, episode, labeled the deal a “big fat bribe,” intensifying scrutiny of CBS’s motives. The timing of the settlement, just weeks before the cancellation, has raised questions about whether Paramount bowed to political pressure, especially as its merger with Skydance Media awaits approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Trump’s administration.
CBS insists the cancellation is purely financial, pointing to a tough market for late-night programming. However, the WGA’s call for an investigation highlights concerns that Paramount’s actions may compromise editorial integrity, potentially setting a precedent for external influence on media decisions.
- Settlement amount: $16 million paid by Paramount to Trump.
- Lawsuit basis: Claims of biased editing in a Kamala Harris interview.
- Colbert’s critique: Host openly criticized the settlement on air.
- Merger stakes: Paramount’s deal with Skydance hinges on FCC approval.
Political and social reactions
The cancellation prompted swift reactions from public figures and viewers. California Senator Adam Schiff demanded transparency, stating on social media that “the public deserves answers” about possible political motives. Senator Elizabeth Warren echoed the call for an investigation, emphasizing the need to protect media independence. Conversely, Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, calling Colbert “talentless” and hinting that Jimmy Kimmel’s show could be next.
Fans have taken to social media, with hashtags related to the “Late Show” trending widely. Many view the cancellation as an attempt to appease Trump amid the Paramount-Skydance merger, raising concerns about media companies yielding to political pressures. Online forums have seen heated discussions, with some users organizing campaigns to protest CBS’s decision.
- Schiff’s statement: Urged clarity on whether political motives drove the cancellation.
- Warren’s stance: Called for a probe into potential political interference.
- Trump’s response: Praised the cancellation and targeted other hosts.
- Public outcry: Social media campaigns reflect widespread fan discontent.
Decline of late-night talk shows
The cancellation of “The Late Show” reflects broader challenges facing late-night television. Audiences, particularly younger viewers, are shifting to streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, slashing ad revenue for traditional broadcasters. According to The New York Times, late-night shows generated $439 million in 2018, dropping to $220 million by 2024—a 50% decline. Other programs, including those hosted by Trevor Noah, James Corden, and Samantha Bee, have also ended in recent years, with no direct replacements.
CBS previously axed Taylor Tomlinson’s “After Midnight” in March 2025, signaling a retreat from late-night investments. The Emmy Awards in 2025 nominated only three talk shows, down from six in prior years, underscoring the format’s decline.
- Revenue drop: From $439 million in 2018 to $220 million in 2024.
- Recent cancellations: Noah, Corden, and Bee’s shows also ended.
- Audience shift: Younger viewers prefer streaming over broadcast TV.
- Emmy decline: Only three talk show nominees in 2025.
Legacy of “The Late Show”
Since its debut in 1993 under David Letterman, “The Late Show” has been a cornerstone of American television, known for its sharp humor and political commentary. Colbert, taking the helm in 2015, continued this tradition, becoming a prominent critic of Trump’s policies. The program’s cultural impact is undeniable, influencing hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien.
CBS plans to “retire” the show in May 2026, with no announced replacement. The network praised Colbert’s contributions but reiterated that financial constraints drove the decision, part of a broader cost-cutting strategy.
- Show’s origin: Launched in 1993 with David Letterman as host.
- Colbert’s era: Began in 2015, marked by political satire.
- Cultural influence: Shaped the late-night format for decades.
- Final season: Set to conclude in May 2026.
Media freedom concerns
The WGA’s push for an investigation underscores fears about media freedom in the US. The guild argues that the cancellation may reflect an attempt to silence critical voices, particularly given Colbert’s history of challenging Trump. The Paramount-Trump settlement and the Skydance merger add layers of complexity, suggesting potential conflicts of interest. Media analysts warn that political pressures on broadcasters could intensify, especially under Trump’s administration.
Press advocacy groups, such as Reporters Without Borders, have voiced concerns about the precedent this case could set. The WGA’s requested probe may take months to resolve, given the political stakes, but its outcome could shape perceptions of media independence.
- WGA’s concern: Alleges possible misconduct by Paramount.
- Political climate: Case reflects tensions between media and government.
- Merger implications: FCC approval may influence CBS’s decisions.
- Press freedom: Advocacy groups warn of risks to journalistic integrity.
Future of late-night television
The end of “The Late Show” highlights the existential crisis facing late-night TV. With high production costs and declining viewership, networks struggle to sustain the format. CBS has not outlined plans for the post-2026 late-night slot, but analysts predict a shift to cheaper alternatives like reruns or pre-recorded content.
Other hosts, such as Jimmy Kimmel, face similar pressures, with Trump’s comments suggesting further cancellations may loom. The survival of late-night shows will depend on networks’ ability to adapt to changing viewer habits and navigate external pressures.
- Format challenges: High costs and low viewership threaten viability.
- Trump’s influence: Comments hint at targeting other critical hosts.
- Network strategies: CBS may pivot to low-cost programming.
- Viewer trends: Streaming continues to erode traditional TV audiences.