Samantha Bee Confirms Stephen Colbert Show Cancelation Over $40M Loss

CBS announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show," citing financial reasons, though the decision has sparked controversy and speculation about political motivations involving President Donald Trump. Samantha Bee, former host of the late-night show "Full Frontal," acknowledged that while the merger between Paramount (CBS' parent company) and Skydance may have influenced the timing to appease the Trump administration, the show's significant financial losses were a primary factor. Bee noted that "The Late Show" was losing approximately $40 million annually on a $100 million budget and that legacy late-night programs are struggling as audiences increasingly consume content on their phones and prefer other entertainment formats. She described the cancellation as a "no-brainer" from a business perspective, especially amid corporate mergers, but still found the sudden decision "awful" and expressed personal support for Colbert. The public and many celebrities view the cancellation as a threat to democracy due to the show's political satire and influence, though Bee emphasized the complex interplay of economics and politics behind the move. Overall, the cancellation reflects broader challenges in the late-night television landscape and corporate dynamics under the current administration.