Stephen Colbert addresses cancellation of 'Late Show' with strong comments

Stephen Colbert spoke about lessons learned following cancellation of 'The Late Show', in New Year’s Eve broadcast

Stephen Colbert has commented publicly on the cancellation of The Late Show, using a New Year’s Eve television appearance to reflect on what he described as a key lesson from the past year.

Speaking during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, the late-night host addressed the decision by CBS to end his long-running programme.

When asked what he had learned in 2025, Colbert replied, “Don’t trust billionaires. They don’t get rich by finding that money on the side of the road, brother.” The remark came months after CBS confirmed that The Late Show would conclude in May, following an announcement made last summer.

The network stated at the time that the cancellation was a financial decision, citing losses of approximately $40 million per year.

The programme had remained the highest-rated show in its time slot. Some figures within the industry questioned the explanation, with fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel publicly disputing the network’s claims.

The cancellation also occurred during a period in which Paramount, CBS’s parent company, was seeking regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media. The deal, which later received approval, placed David Ellison in charge of the combined company.

The timing led to speculation from commentators that political considerations may have influenced the decision, particularly given former president Donald Trump’s repeated public criticism of Colbert and calls for his removal.

Colbert has continued to reference the cancellation in public appearances. In December, he commented on Paramount’s reported $108 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, joking that the company’s financial position suggested it could afford to reverse its decision.

Despite the end of The Late Show approaching, Colbert has remained active in media appearances and has not indicated plans to step away from broadcasting. His comments during the New Year’s Eve broadcast marked one of his clearest responses to the circumstances surrounding the show’s cancellation.