Jon Stewart criticizes CBS for axing ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’

Jon Stewart criticized CBS on Monday for canceling Stephen Colbert’s late-night show. During the broadcast of “The Daily Show,” Stewart expressed disappointment over the cancellation of “The Late Show” beyond May 2026. He questioned whether the decision was purely financial or related to the CBS-Skydance Media merger.

Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS and Comedy Central, is seeking regulatory approval for the merger. Critics speculated that the cancellation of Colbert’s show, known for its criticism of President Donald Trump, was connected to the merger. CBS cited financial reasons for ending the show, stating it was not profitable in the current late-night programming landscape.

Stewart strongly criticized CBS and Paramount, emphasizing that trying to avoid controversy by offering bland content was a mistake. He condemned the decision and expressed concern over the impact on late-night comedy.

Colbert’s colleagues in the late-night industry, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, showed support for him following the news. They expressed shock and disappointment over the cancellation of the long-running show.

The cancellation of “The Late Show” comes amidst financial challenges faced by late-night talk shows due to declining ad revenue and increasing production costs. Stewart argued against the perception that late-night comedy is not financially viable, highlighting the value these shows bring to networks.

Critics pointed out that the cancellation followed Paramount Global’s settlement with President Trump, raising concerns about the company’s motives. The settlement, which involved a payment to Trump over a legal dispute, was seen as an attempt to secure regulatory approval for the merger with Skydance Media.

Stewart’s criticism of CBS’s decision is not surprising given his previous comments on Paramount’s settlement with Trump. The long-standing relationship between Stewart and Colbert adds another layer to the story, with both comedians having worked together for many years in the late-night television industry.