On a recent episode of “The Daily Show,” Jon Stewart fiercely criticized CBS for canceling “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” attributing the decision to corporate capitulation to Donald Trump amid Paramount Global’s pending $8 billion merger with Skydance. Stewart emphasized that successful shows like Colbert’s financially supported CBS, declaring, “this is not a ‘We speak truth to power.’ We speak opinions to television cameras.” He argued that networks shouldn’t aim to be risk-averse and bland, as it would result in losing audience engagement.
Stewart’s profanity-laden commentary rallied viewers to urge institutions to be bold or “go f— yourself.” The segment aired uncensored, reflecting the more lenient regulations for cable networks compared to traditional broadcasters. Stephen Colbert responded to Trump celebrating the show’s cancellation by mirroring Stewart’s sentiments on “Late Night,” suggesting that CBS made a hefty “bribe” in its merger negotiations.
The cancellation sparked widespread speculation about its implications, especially given Colbert’s history of critiquing Trump. CBS claimed the decision was financially driven rather than related to the show’s content or performance. However, behind-the-scenes tensions were evident, particularly with CBS News personnel frustrated over the merger’s ramifications. Stewart lauded Colbert’s achievements, noting the difficulties in late-night television’s financial landscape, and likened the industry’s current state to “operating a Blockbuster kiosk inside of a Tower Records.”
Despite the setbacks, Stewart affirmed his commitment to continue creating impactful content: “This is not the moment to give in. I’m not going anywhere — I think.” The cancellation has raised significant concerns about the future of late-night programming, particularly the role of media in political discourse.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
