Shockwaves in Late-Night Television as Colbert's Show Gets Canceled

Stephen Colbert's Late Show is officially set to end its legendary run on CBS by May 2026, sending fans and fellow talk show hosts into a frenzy. However, Samantha Bee, a prominent figure from the late-night world, claims that the network's decision was justified.

Samantha Bee Weighs In on the Controversial Decision

From 2016 to 2022, Bee hosted TBS's Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and served as a correspondent on The Daily Show from 2003 to 2015. In a recent episode of the Breaking Bread with Tom Papa podcast, she addressed the cancellation, suggesting that it was influenced partly by a desire to align with the current administration, but also driven by financial concerns.

"I think both things are true," Bee stated. "It definitely was hemorrhaging money. Legacy shows are losing funds and audiences every day, especially with viewers glued to their phones seeking quick news updates instead of tuning in for lengthy recaps."

Late-Night Landscape Changing: Less Interest, More Risks

Bee elaborated on her experience navigating network pressures regarding political content, highlighting that avoiding backlash had become a critical topic. She argued that the declining interest in late-night shows made it an easy decision for CBS, especially with upcoming mergers putting further pressure on networks.

"It’s so much easier for them to cut it loose now," she explained. "I'm sure they were aware of this for quite some time." Despite the circumstances, Bee expressed her admiration for Colbert, calling the cancellation "awful" yet understandable.

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