CBS Employees Upset by 'Trump Shakedown' After Colbert Show Cancellation

CBS staffers are skeptical of the network's explanation for the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show, "The Late Show." Despite its high viewership and success, CBS announced that the show would end in May 2026 due to financial reasons. The decision was attributed to the challenging landscape of late-night TV, not the show's performance.

Colbert's criticism of Paramount's settlement with Trump has raised suspicions among network insiders that the cancellation might be connected to the settlement. The $16 million settlement with Trump over a lawsuit related to "60 Minutes" was deemed by legal experts as questionable. Colbert expressed his disappointment with the settlement, hinting at a lack of trust in the company.

While acknowledging the show's high production costs, CBS employees are doubtful about the official explanation for the cancellation. Some believe it could be linked to the Trump settlement, rather than solely financial considerations. The Independent has also learned that there are concerns among Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" staff, another Paramount-owned program, about potential cancellations.

Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the political motivations behind the cancellation of Colbert's show. Senator Adam Schiff and Senator Elizabeth Warren have questioned whether the decision was politically influenced, especially given the timing following Colbert's criticism of Paramount's settlement with Trump. Trump, on the other hand, expressed satisfaction with Colbert's departure and hinted at further dismissals in late-night TV.