UPDATE: Jon Stewart has unleashed a scathing critique of CBS following the network’s shocking decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In a fiery monologue aired on July 22, 2025, Stewart asserted that the move is less about finances and more about appeasing the Trump administration amid a controversial merger deal.
Stewart’s passionate defense of his friend took center stage on The Daily Show, where he vehemently condemned CBS’s claim that the cancellation was a “purely financial decision.” He argued that the network is capitulating to pressure from former President Donald Trump, who recently secured a $16 million settlement from CBS over a lawsuit regarding alleged deceptive editing.
“Now, obviously, I am certainly not the most objective to comment on this matter,” Stewart admitted, acknowledging his long-standing friendship with Colbert. He emphasized the financial struggles facing late-night television but insisted that CBS’s decision raises serious questions about corporate integrity and accountability.
Stewart highlighted that late-night TV is indeed a “struggling financial model,” comparing it to “operating a Blockbuster kiosk inside of a Tower Records.” Yet, he argued that when faced with challenges, networks should not simply throw in the towel. “When CDs stopped selling, they didn’t just go, ‘Oh well, music, it’s been a good run,'” he quipped.
The controversial decision was announced amid reports that Colbert’s show was losing over $40 million annually, despite being the only late-night program to gain viewers this year, according to Nielsen ratings. CBS maintains that the cancellation is unrelated to the show’s performance or content.
Stewart urged CBS to reconsider their approach, stating, “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.” His strong words reflect a growing sentiment that corporate interests are compromising artistic integrity.
The implications of Stewart’s remarks resonate far beyond late-night television. He warned that capitulating to Trump would not yield the results CBS anticipates, citing the former president’s ongoing legal battles, including a lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and Fox News.
“Understand this, 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——— shows. That’s what made you that money,” Stewart declared passionately.
As the news continues to unfold, viewers are left wondering what this means for the future of late-night programming in America. Stewart’s emotional plea highlights a growing concern over corporate control in media and the impact it has on creative expression.
With the cancellation of Colbert’s show, audiences must now grapple with the broader implications of corporate decisions on entertainment. Stewart concluded his monologue with a call to action: “This is not the moment to give in. I’m not giving in.”
As reactions pour in, CBS has yet to respond to Stewart’s remarks, leaving the fate of late-night television in a precarious position. The entertainment industry watches closely as developments continue to unfold, and viewers are left to ponder the future landscape of late-night shows.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it shapes the entertainment world.