July 18, 2025

Cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

News Summary

CBS has announced the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, ending its long run as the most-watched late-night show. Executives cited financial reasons behind their decision, reflecting the challenges traditional late-night television faces in an evolving media landscape. The cancellation comes shortly after Colbert criticized a significant settlement related to a Trump interview, although CBS insisted the show’s performance was not a factor in the decision. The move highlights the ongoing shift in viewer preferences towards streaming platforms.

New York City – CBS has announced the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, marking a significant shift in the late-night television landscape. The program, highly regarded as the most-watched show in its time slot, has been a staple of late-night television for over thirty years. Executives cited that the decision was a “purely financial one,” prompted by increasing challenges faced by traditional late-night shows amidst a rapidly evolving viewing environment.

The announcement comes just days after Colbert openly criticized a substantial $16 million settlement involving a Trump interview aired on the network’s program 60 Minutes, labeling it a “big fat bribe.” This incident appears to have occurred in the backdrop of the show’s financial evaluation, although CBS reiterated that performance did not influence their decision to cancel the series.

Colbert’s show has previously boasted of accolades, including its recent sixth Emmy nomination for outstanding talk show, which showcases its critical acclaim. However, CBS executives emphasized that the decision to cancel was not a reflection of the quality or popularity of the content produced over the years, nor of Colbert himself. Despite the difficult choice, CBS expressed admiration for Colbert and his team, acknowledging their contributions to the network and the late-night genre.

Colbert himself has a personal connection to Charleston, South Carolina, where he grew up and maintains family ties. This local connection has endeared him to a broad audience, making the cancellation feel especially poignant for many fans. As of recently, Colbert had been vocal in his support for CBS as a network, noting them as “great partners” in his entertaining journey.

The move to cancel The Late Show With Stephen Colbert reflects the broader trends in television viewership, particularly the decline of traditional networks as audiences increasingly migrate to digital platforms and streaming services. Recent statistics demonstrate that streaming has now overtaken traditional broadcast and cable television as the preferred medium for video entertainment. This shift has pressured late-night shows to adapt, with many struggling to secure consistent viewership numbers in comparison to the audience reach achieved by streaming platforms.

In related local news, Mount Pleasant is considering implementing stricter regulations on e-bike usage in response to rising incidents of reckless riding reported in the area. Meanwhile, Awendaw residents have raised concerns over a proposed housing development project close to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, advocating for environmental protection. Charleston County officials are exploring measures to better manage the growing Bees Ferry Landfill, which has faced increased scrutiny due to its impact on the community.

Additionally, a proposed grant of $113,000 aims to fund mental health support sessions for jail staff in Charleston County, highlighting an ongoing commitment to mental health resources. In a lighter development, a family of foxes has made their residence at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course, prompting the clubhouse to be affectionately named “the Fox Den.” Finally, more legal troubles have emerged involving U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, with court filings related to an alleged sexual assault victim in a complex legal battle involving her former fiancé.

The cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert stands as a testament to the changing dynamics in the entertainment industry, and its impact will likely be felt throughout other late-night programs in the coming months as networks adapt to the evolving demands of modern audiences.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Columbia University Faces Accreditation Threat Over Antisemitism Claims
Mark Clark Extension Road Project Officially Terminated
Jeanine Pirro Named Interim U.S. Attorney: A Lawyer’s Journey
Harvard University Opposes Trump Administration Policies
Weather Woes: Lowcountry Schools Cancel Classes Due to Severe Storm Threat
Tensions Escalate During Trump and Zelenskyy’s Oval Office Meeting
moe. Returns to Buffalo with New Album ‘Circle Of Giants’
Charleston’s Real Estate Market Sees Hot Sales and New Projects
Winter Weather Woes in Charleston: Schools and Services Adapt
Charleston Planetarium Set to Open in February 2025

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.