CBS CANCELS The Late Show — Political Fallout Begins!

[{"selector":"#anim-1d12a8cf-f062-4264-8d5e-be1650ed2803 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.287020731694096%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Colbert’s iconic late-night run ends in 2026, but the reasons behind the decision are sparking outrage

[{"selector":"#anim-bf9a30f8-4448-4a28-8fe8-107260acbc45 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-25.097656098893555%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Skydance CEO met with FCC officials just 48 hours before the cancellation announcement

[{"selector":"#anim-50ffb27f-2865-41d9-9c96-b6e33d669d20 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.02734361667077%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] David Ellison & legal team urged FCC to approve Paramount deal fast

[{"selector":"#anim-f7eef060-5c8f-4bc5-9c49-10cfccfa3c73 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-25.949928831337836%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Critics say the timing is too suspicious to ignore .

[{"selector":"#anim-bbd54e62-9d4f-4dc9-b29d-2756c5dae2a1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-24.719827432807786%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Are media companies killing free speech for mergers?

[{"selector":"#anim-845a7f64-db2a-4b92-baa1-452f1cbf6128 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-18.34888040495715%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] CBS’s parent company settled a lawsuit with Trump. Days later, Colbert's show gets the axe.

[{"selector":"#anim-5d441b5e-bb1c-434c-a3f2-87a5017ef4a7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-25.862341625685524%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Bernie Sanders & Elizabeth Warren say CBS is “ placating Trump ” during merger talks

[{"selector":"#anim-b8fcd6c6-cc05-4e10-9a88-db1e2c960c25 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-25.71358252979632%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] CBS claims cancellation is due to finances. But critics say that’s just a smokescreen for political pressure.

[{"selector":"#anim-b4b7f575-bec0-4b0e-bf96-6e5cbf97d509 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-25.117292074213765%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Fans and activists flood Change.org to reverse the decision. Will public outcry save The Late Show ?

[{"selector":"#anim-b7dcdda1-0e95-4fba-859d-2f9d03fd4ed5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.02734361667077%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] But killing a political satire show sends a very different message.

[{"selector":"#anim-fdf7fc3f-ed18-4dee-ac71-f625ae702ffa [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.492646928317743%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Streaming + polarization = a nightmare for network comedy.