Stephen Colbert gives opinion on ‘The Late Show’ cancellation rumours

Stephen Colbert addresses speculation about the cancellation The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

The guest suggested it was “reasonable” for people to tie CBS’s decision to recent settlements in a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. However, the long-time host stopped short of confirming his trust in himself, insisting that “my side is clean.”

New Ruq In an interview with Cover magazine’s 2025 Men of the Year, Cobert opened up to writer Zach Zach about the network’s decision to end the late-season showdown and reboot it all — after its decade-long run.

“I’m the number one guy who’s ever been stopped,” he quipped, noting that he’s topped the nightly ratings three years out of nine years in a row, ahead of Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Bellon.

The suspension comes shortly after CBS reportedly paid $16 million to settle a tax settlement filed against the network and 60 Minutes. The deal has raised eyebrows, especially with the pending merger of Priority Global and Skydance, which requires the approval of Trun’s appointed chairman.

At the same time, Colbert joked on air that the technical name of the “technical name of the residence” was “a big bribe”. “After a long time, he learned from his coach that this moment would now be his last.

“My reaction as a show business professional is to go: That’s the network’s decision,” Colbert said. Ruq. “It’s self-evident that this damages the reputation of the network, the company, and the news department. So it’s not clear why anyone would do anything about anyone else.”

CBS officially said the decision was a “financial one,” and described it as a “challenging late-night return.” Colbert said he accepted that explanation but acknowledged the timing was surprising. “I had a great relationship with CBS,” he said. “That’s why it’s shocking that she’s not in this shelter.”

After the announcement in July, speculation spread online, with senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff openly questioning whether the policy had been chosen. Colbert, however, maintains that the rest are interested, he is not.

“People can have their own views,” he said. “You have to show me why that’s the relationship that I have with my network for the next nine months. It’s up to me to be involved in that news.”

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its run in May 2026