📢 Power to the People: Colbert’s Late Show is a Rallying Cry
Freedom lives in the choices we make each day—to speak, to act, to care. Even the smallest stand can spark a movement.
Friends, like many of you, I'm saddened to hear that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will shut down in May 2026. The official reason? CBS cites financial challenges. But questions are swirling—about the timing, the politics, and the future of late-night television in a rapidly shifting media landscape.
On July 17, 2025, CBS announced that The Late Show would conclude in May 2026, ending the Late Show franchise after a 33-year run—22 years with David Letterman and 11 with Stephen Colbert. According to the network, steep declines in ad revenue—down 40% since 2018—and an estimated $40 million in annual production losses made the show unsustainable, despite Colbert's continued ratings dominance (Reuters).1
But the announcement came just three days after Colbert publicly blasted Paramount—CBS's parent company—for its $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview, calling it:
"a big, fat bribe." (The Guardian)2
"I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: it's 'big, fat bribe.'" —Stephen Colbert (The Stephen Colbert Show) 3
Critics quickly pointed out that the timing of the cancellation aligned with the advancing Paramount–Skydance merger, which requires approval from the Trump administration.
“That merger is CBS parent Paramount’s long-gestating deal with Skydance, a media company controlled by David Ellison, son of Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison.
The elder Ellison is a longtime friend of President Trump and has previously described himself as a Trump supporter. And David Ellison was spotted with the president earlier this year at UFC matches.” (CNN)4
The Writers Guild of America has called for an investigation, suggesting the show may have been axed for political reasons—the price of not appeasing Trump (The Daily Beast). 5
Some Lawmakers agree. Senator Elizabeth Warren posted on X:
"CBS canceled Colbert's show just three days after Colbert called out CBS owner Paramount… a deal that looks like bribery." (Vulture) 6
And Senator Adam Schiff added:
“If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better.” (The Guardian) 7
CBS continues to insist the decision was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount." (Reuters). 8 9
So, what's next for Colbert?
Since taking the helm in 2015, Colbert led The Late Show to nine straight years as the top-rated late-night program and he just garnered his second Emmy nomination (GoldDerby).10 In his announcement, made from the Ed Sullivan Theater, he addressed his 200-person crew and loyal fans:
"It is a fantastic job… I wish someone else was getting it. And it is a job I am looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months." (The Stephen Colbert Show). 11
And what a team it's been. Though The Late Show is closing, Colbert's future remains wide open. Whether he returns via streaming, podcasting, or another network, one thing is sure: his audience will follow.
Over the years, Colbert and his incredible team have taught us how to laugh in the most challenging moments, see hypocrisy for what it is, and stay grounded in joy and community. Who doesn't love the "First Drafts" episodes when Evie shows up? He showed us how to keep going, even during the pandemic, broadcasting from home with heart and humor. And he reminded us to give back—whether through pet adoptions, spotlighting small businesses, or helping where we can. There's no doubt that more is coming—and I, for one, am excited to see where he and his team land in such a critical election year. As Colbert wraps his final season in May 2026, one thing remains clear: his legacy endures. He stirred conversations, challenged those in power, and kept us laughing through it all.
Whatever comes next for Stephen Colbert and his brilliant crew, you can be sure it will be bold, meaningful—and, of course, funny—and we will be there alongside him, advocating for progress and power to the people!
📣 Today’s calls to action
Click here to Denounce CBS for Firing Stephen Colbert to Appease Trump
Click here to Shut Down Trump's "Alligator Alcatraz" Concentration Camp
Click here to Tell The IRS: Keep Church and State Separate
Click here to sign the petition: Tell Congress: Release the Epstein Files
Click here to send a letter to say NO MORE COVERUPS: Release all of the Epstein Files! Force a vote on the bipartisan discharge petition in the U.S. House now.
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On Saturday, July 26th, families across all 50 states and D.C. will unite in peaceful marches and rallies to say loud and clear: our families come first.
Organized by a national coalition of unions, advocacy groups, faith leaders, and everyday people, Families First events will demand care—not cruelty—from Congress and the White House. Grounded in nonviolence and community safety, we’re showing up to protect each other, defend dignity, and remind our neighbors they’re not alone.
Together, we rise to say: our families come first.
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With fierce resolve and people power,
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
People Power United
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https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/colbert-is-latest-casualty-late-night-tvs-fade-out-2025-07-19/
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/jul/15/late-night-roundup-colbert-stewart-meyers-trump-paramount-epstein
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/18/media/colbert-cbs-late-show-cancel-paramount-trump
https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-demands-investigation-into-cbs-over-late-show-cancellation-amid-bribery-concerns/
https://www.vulture.com/article/stephen-colbert-late-show-cancelled-response.html
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jul/18/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-to-end-in-2026-as-cbs-cancels-show
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/colbert-is-latest-casualty-late-night-tvs-fade-out-2025-07-19/
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/colbert-is-latest-casualty-late-night-tvs-fade-out-2025-07-19/
https://www.goldderby.com/article/2025/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-emmy-history/
Trump has now intimidated CBS and Paramount. They made a deal with the devil. One of our champions of Free Speech is being taken out of the game. Stephen Colbert, I love you!
Beyond a shadow of a doubt