Latest news with #late-night TV
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jon Stewart admits his talk show is past its peak as he pays tribute to fired Steven Colbert
Jon Stewart has spoken out on CBS's cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show for the first time on-air, after Colbert on Thursday shared his program would not return beyond May 2026. 'We were two pretty good-sized fish in a reasonably small basic cable pond. Both of our shows reached an inflection point in 2015,' Stewart said Monday of the pair's shared success during their days on Comedy Central. 'Stephen chose to challenge himself by seeing if he could succeed the legendary David Letterman in, quite frankly, a much bigger pond than the one he and I had been swimming in,' Stewart said. 'And I quit. And I quit. 'Stephen challenged himself. I passed away. Stephen challenged his abilities and the biggest field you could. And I literally went to a farm upstate.' The spiel came during a highly reflective segment on Stewart's Daily Show, which originally aired alongside Colbert's since-cancelled 'Colbert Report' in the 2000s. Stewart said Colbert went on to 'exceed all expectations' upon leaving Comedy Central for late-night, before acknowledging the fading format as a whole. 'Now, I acknowledge, losing money, late-night TV is a struggling financial model,' he said. 'We are all basically operating a Blockbuster kiosk inside of a Tower Records.' 'But when your industry is faced with changes, you don't just call it a day,' Stewart then joked. 'When CDs stopped selling, they didn't just go, "Oh, well, music, it's been a good run!".' As to whether his show could soon follow Colbert's into cancellation, Stewart said, "I'm not going anywhere - I think.' Earlier, Stewart addressed the elephant in the room - controversy surrounding Colbert's employer, CBS, amid claims its decision to cancel Colbert's show was rooted in politics. Stewart made clear he does not buy CBS's claim Colbert was canceled for 'purely financial reasons,' and instead subscribes to the theory the network reached a $16 million settlement in a suit filed by the president earlier this month as means to secure FCC approval for a still pending merger with Skydance Media. He addressed executives at Paramount - CBS's parent company - directly, accusing them of capitulating to Trump to secure the sale. He said: 'I believe CBS lost the benefit of the doubt two weeks prior, when they sold out their flagship news program to pay an extortion fee to said president.' 'At that time, poor Andy Rooney must have been rolling over in his bed,' he joked of the late legendary news writer. 'That's right. He is alive. Andy Rooney is alive.' 'I understand the corporate fear. I understand the fear that you and your advertisers have with $8 billion at stake. But understand this,' Stewart added. 'Truly, the shows that you now seek to cancel, censor, and control? A not-insignificant portion of that $8 billion value came from those f**king shows,' he added. 'That's what made you that money. Shows that say something. Shows that take a stand.' He further asserted CBS and Paramount would be fools to cut Colbert loose, regardless of how much Trump may be pulling their proverbial strings. He told worried executives, 'If you believe you can make yourselves so innocuous, that you can serve a gruel so flavorless, that you will never again be on the boy king's radar... Why will anyone watch you?' 'And you are f**king wrong,' he said of CBS reaching a settlement in the suit that had accused Paramount, CBS, and its flagship show 60 Minutes of deceptively editing an interview with Kamala Harris weeks before the election. 'Do you want to know how impossible it is to stay on Lord Farquaad's good side?' Stewart joked. He then pointed to Trump's $10illion lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News, following a Wall Street Journal report that linked Trump to Jeffrey Epstein as proof of how quickly the conservative's alliances can grow cold. 'Fox spends 24 hours a day blowing Trump, and it's not enough,' he said. Colbert, 61, is one the most prominent of critics of the conservative and called himself a 'martyr' on Monday after the president gloated over The Late Show's cancellation in a pointed post to Truth Social over the weekend. The parties reached the $16 million settlement in a suit surrunding an Octobert 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris earlier this month. That is only slightly more than the $15 million Colbert is said to earn annually for his show The suit had accused Paramount, CBS, and its flagship show 60 Minutes of deceptively editing an interview with Harris weeks before the election . The decision to make a deal was widely seen as necessary to receiving FCC approval The comedian revealed last week his decade-long run as the host of CBS' late night flagship will end next May. 'Insiders' immediately maintained to publications like Puck and Variety the top-rated show was canceled due to being a money pit what was losing $40million a year. Days before being canned, he took a swipe at his Paramount bosses on-air - fueling speculation the show's cancellation was not due to finances. Still, the $16million sum secured in the settlement is only slightly more than the $15 million Colbert is said to earn annually for his show.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A Former Producer For The Late Show Under David Letterman Just Weighed In On CBS' Surprising Decision: 'Never Threaten A Corporate Merger'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has stirred up a plethora of conversations. Many of those discussions revolve around the future of the late-night TV landscape, which is seemingly becoming increasingly unstable as viewers consume media in varied ways. On top of that, though, others continue to speculate as to whether CBS' decision to axe the show was purely 'financial' as stated. Amid that, one of the franchise's ex-producers, who worked with OG host David Letterman, is now weighing in. Rob Burnett, specifically, is among the latest people to share thoughts, and he has quite a bit of experience with late-night TV. In 1993, he started working as a writer-producer on Late Night with David Letterman, which aired on NBC. Burnett ultimately made the move to CBS with Letterman when The Late Show was picked up at that network. Deadline reached out to Burnett to ask about the Stephen Colbert news, during which he made a joke that referenced the corporate moves that have been occurring at the Eye Network as of late: When we started the Late Show in 1993, we had the same goals everyone doing talk shows has: make people laugh and never threaten a corporate merger. If Colbert had been #1 and nominated for an Emmy two days prior none of this would have happened. The seasoned writer is referring to the fact that Paramount Global – CBS' parent company – has been in the midst of finalizing its merger with Skydance. At the same time, the corporation just settled the $16 million lawsuit involving U.S. President Donald Trump and 60 Minutes. As noted by the trade, that lawsuit was viewed as the final hurdle keeping Paramount from receiving FCC approval for its latest acquisition. Stephen Colbert himself, while on air, chastised his employers for settling the suit with Trump. Since The Late Show's demise was confirmed, a number of celebrities have taken to social media to air their grievances. Jimmy Kimmel and Bowen Yang were among the stars to reach out, and many are of the belief that Stephen Colbert is being penalized for his comments as opposed to being cut for financial reasons. For his part, Rob Burnett cited Colbert's popularity amongst talk show hosts as one of the reasons he's not completely convinced that money was the driving force behind the cancellation: While the financial landscape of late night has undeniably changed, I don't think you dismiss a talent like Stephen Colbert in this manner. It just doesn't make sense. Stephen is as good as it gets. He will be heard from for many years to come. They should choose their adversaries more wisely. Colbert's stint on his current show, as it stands, is still slated to end in May 2026. It was in September 2015 that Colbert took over from David Letterman, who retired earlier that year. Since taking over The Late Show, Colbert has received 11 Emmy nominations for his hosting duties, and he also won a Peabody Award. Colbert addressed the cancellation news during an episode of his eponymous talk show and, since then, insiders have reported that the crew isn't happy with the decision. The on-air address can be viewed below: It seems that plenty of people have thoughts on The Late Show's fate, and they aren't holding back those opinions. We'll see if any other fellow TV producers join Rob Burnett in discussing the situation as the 2025 TV schedule pushes on and Stephen Colbert and co. move closer to the end of their run. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bowen Yang, Jimmy Kimmel And More Sound Off After Stephen Colbert Gets The Axe At CBS: ‘It's So Tragic'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Major changes in late-night TV are rare. There's an expectation that when a new host takes over a show, they will be there for a long time. Stephen Colbert has hosted The Late Show on CBS for a decade, but there was no expectation he would be leaving anytime soon, which is why so many were stunned by his announcement that his show has been canceled. At the beginning of last night's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host revealed that not only will he be leaving the show next May, but that the show is being canceled by CBS entirely, with no new host taking over. This has sent a shockwave through the entertainment world, with even Colbert's technical competitor, Jimmy Kimmel, dropping F-bombs in frustration on Instagram. Kimmel isn't the only late-night host to respond to the surprising news. Colbert's other "competition," Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, posted to his Instagram story: I'm just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I'd ride this out with him for years to come. I'm sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he's really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years - going back to The Colbert Report, and I'm sure whatever he does next will be brilliant. Likewise, Seth Meyers posted a farewell to his IG stories. The Late Night host, like Fallon, called out what a good person Colbert is, but in true late-night fashion, made sure to include a joke. Meyers posted... For as great a comedian and host he is, [Stephen Colbert] is an even better person. I'm going to miss having him on TV every night but I'm excited he can no longer use the excuse that he's 'too busy to hang out with me.' There are a lot of unanswered questions about exactly why CBS made the decision to cancel the show. The network's official statement said the move was purely financial due to the increasingly challenging nature of late-night TV. It's specifically stated that this was not a performance issue on Colbert's part. It's hard to imagine that would be the case, as The Late Show has remained one of the highest-rated late-night programs of its type. It has been speculated that the decision was made in part to ease the political pressure on CBS following a lawsuit settlement with President Trump, as the network seeks merger approval with Skydance. Colbert's consistent criticism of the President is well known. Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang spoke to iHeartRadio at his Las Culturistas Culture Awards and called out the more political elements, saying… I don't think so honey, CBS canceling the Late Show. It's so tragic. Late-night TV is one of the only ways we have of processing the news in a way that is tangible and beautiful and funny, and the people who have hosted these shows are at the top of their game. It has given comedians and people in the industry something to aspire to. I think it's a really dark day. I think the way that these networks are being consolidated is really, really bleak. Another professional host, Bravo's Andy Cohen, was also at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards and told Deadline that while he fully expects Stephen Colbert to be fine, he was shocked by CBS's decision to simply end the show and not replace it with anything. Cohen said… I think it's a sad day for late-night television. I think it's a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. He's going to have an incredible next chapter. I can't believe CBS is turning out the lights at 11:30 after the local news. Just completely turning out the lights. I'm stunned. He's one of three late-night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show. Cohen had a particular connection to the show as he said he worked for CBS back in 1993 when David Letterman made the jump from NBC after losing out on the hosting job at The Tonight Show. Colbert took over The Late Show from Letterman in 2015. Cohen continued… I mean, I worked at CBS when Letterman came to CBS, and CBS became a powerhouse in late-night television…I spent ten years at CBS. It's just sad for CBS. The combination of well wishes and frustration has poured in from many others on Instagram, where the official announcement was posted. Friends, former guests, and Colbert's former band leader are among the hundreds of people responding with a mix of love and confusion. Comments include… Love you Stephen. This is absolute bullshit, and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows. ✊😡💔-Adam Scott I am extremely sad. I adore you, Stephen. -Rachel Zegler The greatest to ever do it. -Jon Batiste I am so upset about this. I need more information. We love you [Stephen Colbert] ❤️-Katie Couric My admiration and appreciation for you is bottomless. Excited to see what other brilliance you put into the world. ❤️-Judd Apatow While more details behind the decision may still come to light, and what Stephen Colbert will do next remains to be seen, we can imagine the next 10 months of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on the 2025 TV schedule will be some of the show's biggest as the host gets ready to say goodbye. Until May 2026, you can watch The Late Show on weekdays on CBS at 11:30 p.m. ET. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Late-Night Solidarity: Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart & Andy Cohen Show Up To ‘The Late Show' To Support Stephen Colbert
The cancelation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert emerged last week like a dagger through the heart of late-night. Would others be next? How would Colbert's friends fare if the most-watched show in late-night can be axed for 'financial reasons'? More from Deadline Stephen Colbert Addresses 'The Late Show's Financial Losses With Another Dig At Paramount's $16M Trump Settlement 'The Daily Show's Jon Stewart Torches Paramount Over Colbert Axing: "Go F*ck Yourself" Stephen Colbert Tells Donald Trump To "Go F*ck Yourself" After 'The Late Show' Axing Well, they turned up for him, literally. Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart and Andy Cohen all appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday. They were joined by a slew of other stars including Adam Sandler, Anderson Cooper, Weird Al Yankovic, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Robert Smigel. The gag started with Miranda and Weird Al coming out to perform a song – a Coldplay song, in fact, a reference to the Astronomer scandal, which saw the CEO resigning after getting caught with the HR chief on a kiss-cam at a recent concert from Chris Martin's band. As they were playing, the camera zoomed in on the crowd, which saw Cooper and Cohen pretending to make out, Fallon and Meyers drinking beers, Oliver and Stewart giving the middle finger and Sandler and his Happy Gilmore co-star Chris McDonald sitting in front of Smigel. However, Colbert had to stop the song prematurely and was handed an official letter. 'It says here this is purely a financial decision,' he said. 'What does that mean,' replied Miranda. 'Since you started playing that song, the network has lost, and I don't know how this is possible, $40M-$50M,' joked Colbert. Miranda pointed out that the tune was a number one song, noting that it makes no sense to cancel something that is number one. Given that the last 'celebrity' in the crowd was a cartoon Donald Trump, seemingly drawn in the style of the Colbert-produced Tooning Out The News, Miranda said, 'Tell me this has nothing to do with who we just put a spotlight on.' The letter? It was signed 'Yours truly, the Paramount family of global entertainment properties and A.I. weapons systems'. Many in this group are close; Stewart was previously Colbert's boss at The Daily Show and is an exec producer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, while others bonded heavily during the writers strike in 2023 with their own Strike Force 5 podcast, which was hosted by Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel, Meyers and Oliver. Kimmel had a good excuse for not showing up; ignoring the fact that he's based in LA, whereas the others are all based in New York, he's been on holiday for some time with a phalanx of guest hosts leading his Jimmy Kimmel Live! show. The group appeared after Colbert had delivered his own rebuke to President Donald Trump, who was over the moon at the news last week. Colbert opened his show by telling the former host of The Apprentice to 'go f*ck yourself. Earlier in the evening, Stewart had repeated the line when referring to parent company Paramount. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Reuters
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Colbert is latest casualty of late-night TV's fade-out
LOS ANGELES, July 19 (Reuters) - Late-night television had been fighting for its survival even before 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' was canceled this week. The announced end of one of the most popular broadcast late-night shows, days after host Stephen Colbert accused the network owner of bribing President Donald Trump to approve a merger, drew cries of political foul play from liberal politicians, artists and entertainers. "Stephen Colbert, an extraordinary talent and the most popular late-night host, slams the deal. Days later, he's fired. Do I think this is a coincidence? NO," Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent, wrote on X. CBS executives said in a statement that dropping the show was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount." Whether or not politics were at play, the late-night format has been struggling for years, as viewers increasingly cut the cable TV cord and migrate to streaming. Younger viewers, in particular, are more apt to find amusement on YouTube or TikTok, leaving smaller, aging TV audiences and declining ad revenues. Americans used to religiously turn on Johnny Carson or Jay Leno before bed, but nowadays many fans prefer to watch quick clips on social media at their convenience. Advertising revenue for Colbert's show has dropped 40% since 2018 - the financial reality that CBS said prompted the decision to end 'The Late Show' in May 2026. One former TV network executive said the program was a casualty of the fading economics of broadcast television. Fifteen years ago, a popular late-night show like 'The Tonight Show' could earn $100 million a year, the executive said. Recently, though, 'The Late Show' has been losing $40 million a year, said a person briefed on the matter. The show's ad revenue plummeted to $70.2 million last year from $121.1 million in 2018, according to ad tracking firm Guideline. Ratings for Colbert's show peaked at 3.1 million viewers on average during the 2017-18 season, according to Nielsen data. For the season that ended in May, the show's audience averaged 1.9 million. Comedians like Colbert followed their younger audiences online, with the network releasing clips to YouTube or TikTok. But digital advertising did not make up for the lost TV ad revenue, the source with knowledge of the matter said. The TV executive said reruns of a hit prime-time show like 'Tracker' would leave CBS with 'limited costs, and the ratings could even go up." "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" is just the latest casualty of the collapse of one of television's most durable formats. When 'The Late Late Show' host James Corden left in 2023, CBS opted not to hire a replacement. The network also canceled 'After Midnight' this year, after host Taylor Tomlinson chose to return to full-time stand-up comedy. But the end came at a politically sensitive time. Paramount Global (PARA.O), opens new tab, the parent company of CBS, is seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. This month Paramount agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Trump over a "60 Minutes" interview with his 2024 Democratic challenger, Kamala Harris. Colbert called the payment 'a big fat bribe' two days before he was told his show was canceled. Many in the entertainment industry and Democratic politicians have called for probes into the decision, including the Writers Guild of America and Senator Edward Markey, who asked Paramount Chair Shari Redstone whether the Trump administration had pressured the company. Paramount has the right to fire Colbert, including for his political positions, Markey said, but 'if the Trump administration is using its regulatory authority to influence or otherwise pressure your company's editorial decisions, the public deserves to know.' A spokesperson for Redstone could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday night. "It's a completely new world that artists and writers and journalists are living in, and it's scary," said Tom Nunan, a veteran film and TV producer who is co-head of the producers program at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television. "When the news came in about Colbert, we were shocked but not surprised."
