Host Stephen Colbert delivered the news during a live taping, where the audience responded with audible disappointment. Expressing gratitude towards CBS and loyal viewers, he acknowledged the show's legacy, which began in 1993 as a competitor to NBC's late-night offerings. Colbert took over from David Letterman in 2015 and has remained a prominent critic of Trump throughout his tenure.
The decision occurs amid ongoing merger discussions between Paramount and Skydance Media and highlights the increasing challenges traditional networks face in retaining younger audiences amidst burgeoning competition from streaming platforms and podcasts. CBS has identified Colbert as irreplaceable, stating that The Late Show franchise will be retired, leaving rival networks ABC and NBC to carry on with their respective talk shows.
As Colbert's show consistently featured prominent political figures and discussions that engaged a wide audience, its farewell marks a notable change in the late-night comedy landscape.
The decision occurs amid ongoing merger discussions between Paramount and Skydance Media and highlights the increasing challenges traditional networks face in retaining younger audiences amidst burgeoning competition from streaming platforms and podcasts. CBS has identified Colbert as irreplaceable, stating that The Late Show franchise will be retired, leaving rival networks ABC and NBC to carry on with their respective talk shows.
As Colbert's show consistently featured prominent political figures and discussions that engaged a wide audience, its farewell marks a notable change in the late-night comedy landscape.
