Top Democrats rushed to praise Stephen Colbert following news that The Late Show will end in 2026, with many suggesting the cancellation may be politically motivated despite CBS attributing it to financial reasons.
“Thank you Stephen Colbert for your willingness to speak truth to power,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X. “Staying far from timid. And never bending the knee to a wannabe king.”
CBS confirmed Thursday that The Late Show would conclude its run next year, calling the move a “financial decision” unrelated to the show’s content or the performance of Colbert, who has led the program since 2015.
Still, the announcement triggered backlash from prominent Democrats, some of whom hinted that the decision may be tied to Colbert’s frequent criticism of former President Donald Trump — and more recently, his own corporate bosses at Paramount.
Praise from Party Leaders
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election, echoed Jeffries’ praise: “Stephen Colbert is the best in the business. He always told truth to power and pulled no punches. We need more of that, not less.”
Other figures including Stacey Abrams, who posted throwback photos from her appearances on the show, also expressed admiration for Colbert’s outspoken voice in late-night television.
Senator Bernie Sanders took things further, questioning the timing of the cancellation. “CBS’s billionaire owners pay Trump $16 million to settle a bogus lawsuit while trying to sell the network to Skydance,” Sanders wrote. “Stephen Colbert slams the deal. Days later, he’s fired. Do I think this is a coincidence? NO.”
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) suggested Colbert’s exit was a red flag: “I want to explain to you what a censorship state looks like — where a corrupt government gives favors to media that suppresses criticism of the regime.”
CBS Pushes Back on Politics
CBS has maintained that the decision was purely financial, citing challenges in the late-night television landscape and ongoing changes at its parent company, Paramount Global. The network insisted the cancellation “is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
Yet some Democrats remain unconvinced. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Adam Schiff both called for transparency, demanding the public be told if Colbert’s show was canceled for “political reasons.”
Schiff, who appeared as a guest on Colbert’s final Thursday night broadcast, wrote: “If Paramount and CBS ended The Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better.”
A Platform for the Left
Since taking over from David Letterman, Colbert has reshaped The Late Show into a politically charged platform, particularly during the Trump years. His monologues often skewered Republican figures, and the show regularly featured Democratic guests — including NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who appeared just weeks before clinching the Democratic nomination.
Whether Colbert’s departure signals a changing tide in political commentary on network television remains to be seen. But judging by the outpouring of support from top Democrats, many view his exit as more than just the end of a show — but the silencing of a critical voice in the mainstream media.
