On a recent episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, the Watch What Happens Live host cast doubt on the network’s purported financial motivation in a new way. Citing Matt Belloni’s claim on Puck News that The Late Show was losing more than $40 million a year for CBS,

The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert tempted fate when he called Paramount Global’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump a “big fat bribe” earlier this week. Three days later, CBS announced it would end his show after the upcoming 2025-2026 season.

The “Late Show” cancellation augurs ominously for the future of political comedy carried by mass media. Then again, comedy can exist outside of platforms provided by corporate conglomerates. Comedians can ply their wares at small clubs and make whatever jokes they see fit. Freedom of speech lives! Right?

Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' cancellation shows how his fake Republican and Never Trump persona became irrelevant as the political landscape shifted under Trump

Donald Trump is already lying about why CBS’s The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was canceled. “I absolutely love that Colbert’ got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday morning.

Fox News host Howard Kurtz isn’t buying that CBS axed Stephen Colbert solely for financial reasons. Kurtz called out CBS’ parent company Paramount on Media Buzz Sunday, accusing it of cancelling The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in order to gain President Donald Trump’s approval.