Stephen Colbert: Behind The Cancellation of ‘The Late Show’

Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show has been a staple of American late-night television for years, consistently topping ratings and earning critical acclaim.

Yet, as he reveals in a revealing interview, the show is coming to an end this May, a decision that caught him by surprise and left him grappling with a complex mix of emotions.

Colbert begins with humor, recalling the surreal first moments of the interview and the blurred lines between reality and performance that define his career.

He describes the challenge of doing nightly political comedy for nearly two decades, likening it to “attaching your mouth to the exhaust pipe of news,” a metaphor that captures both the intensity and the emotional drain of the work.

Despite the exhaustion, Colbert finds solace in the connection with his audience.

He shares an anecdote about performing while unknowingly suffering from a burst appendix, illustrating the dedication and passion behind the show.

The laughter and energy from the live audience provide a vital lifeline, fueling his performances night after night.

When discussing the cancellation, Colbert admits he did not receive the news directly from the network but through his manager.

The revelation was unexpected, especially given the show’s status as the number one late-night program since 2016.

He notes that it’s rare—perhaps unprecedented—for a top-rated show to be canceled, underscoring the shifting landscape of television.

Colbert reflects on the reasons given for the cancellation: CBS and its parent company are reportedly exiting the late-night space due to profitability concerns.

While he respects the business decision, he expresses surprise and some skepticism, especially in light of a controversial $16 million settlement CBS paid to former President Donald Trump over a lawsuit their own lawyers deemed without merit.

Colbert hints at possible political motivations behind the network’s choices but chooses not to engage in speculation, focusing instead on his role as a comedian.

The host also delves into the evolving nature of late-night television.

He acknowledges that the traditional format—with live bands, sketches, and field pieces—is expensive compared to the low-cost, high-reach model of podcasts and streaming shows.

Still, he argues for the cultural importance of late-night comedy as a form of communal reflection on daily events, a “reaction video” that helps viewers process the news with humor and humanity.

Colbert discusses his personal identity and the role the show has played in his life.

Starting the Late Show at age 41, he speaks candidly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, and how creating and performing became a grounding force.

He describes the discipline and sacrifice required to maintain the demanding schedule but also the joy he finds in the creative process and the deep bonds formed with his team.

Throughout the interview, Colbert balances sharp wit with heartfelt insight, sharing his views on political satire, the pressures of reacting to figures like Donald Trump, and the bittersweet feelings about ending a chapter of his career.

He emphasizes that while he will miss the show and the audience, he knows who he is beyond the role and looks forward to new creative endeavors.

As the interview closes, Colbert expresses gratitude for the journey, the people he’s worked with, and the opportunity to make people laugh during turbulent times.

Though The Late Show is ending, his passion for storytelling and comedy remains undiminished, hinting at exciting possibilities ahead.