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📺 The gloves are off, and Stephen Colbert isn’t holding back.
In the wake of shocking reports that CBS and parent company Paramount Global plan to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the longtime host returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater with fire in his monologue — and dozens of anti-Trump protesters outside showing support. As rumors of the cancellation swirl, Colbert made it clear he won’t go quietly. In his first show since the news broke, he leveled sharp jabs at both Paramount executives and former President Donald Trump, the latter of whom publicly celebrated the decision on his Truth Social platform. 🪧 Protesters Rally Outside CBS Studios In a rare sight, a crowd of protesters — many waving signs, chanting, and calling CBS out — gathered outside the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. Their message? “Don’t silence Colbert.” The protest appeared to be a response to both political tensions and concerns about press freedom, with some accusing the network of caving to political pressure by ending the most overtly anti-Trump voice in late night. 📣 Many in the crowd saw the cancellation not as a financial decision, but as a message — one that’s already sparked a wave of online backlash, think pieces, and social media movements to “#KeepColbert.” 🎙️ Colbert Comes Out Swinging On air, Colbert was his classic self — witty, biting, and unapologetic. But this time, he didn’t just joke. He called out both his corporate bosses and Donald Trump directly. And it got personal. 📉 Trump had posted: "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” 🔥 Colbert’s on-air response? “Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?” [Cut to ‘Eloquence Cam’] — “Go f*** yourself.” 🎠Colbert used the moment to highlight what he views as a double standard — calling out Paramount for canceling a No. 1-rated show while losing tens of millions annually elsewhere, including a $16 million Trump settlement related to a 60 Minutes clip. He also thanked CBS for their public support but noted the contradiction: “If we’re No. 1 in ratings, how is this purely a financial decision? That’s confusing... A lot of people are asking that question. Mainly my staff’s parents and spouses.” 💥 A Battle Over Free Speech and Political Power? Colbert’s ouster — and Trump’s immediate celebration — has sparked debate over the influence of political figures in media and whether late-night comedy is still a space for dissenting voices. Many believe the cancellation has less to do with ratings and more to do with navigating the increasingly volatile political and financial environment at Paramount, which is undergoing sweeping cost-cutting ahead of a potential sale or merger. 📉 The New York Post reported that The Late Show loses between $40 million to $50 million a year, a figure Colbert addressed head-on with trademark sarcasm: “$40 million’s a big number. I could see us losing $24 million. But the other $16 million? Oh yeah… Paramount paid that to settle Trump’s 60 Minutes tantrum.” 🗓️ The Final Show Will Air in May 2026 Barring a reversal or renewed contract, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in late-night television — one defined by political commentary, cultural satire, and a host who never shied away from speaking truth to power. 🚨 This video covers: ✔️ The reported cancellation of The Late Show ✔️ Anti-Trump protests outside the Ed Sullivan Theater ✔️ Colbert’s fiery response to Trump and CBS ✔️ Paramount’s alleged financial motives ✔️ The bigger implications for late night, satire, and press freedom ✔️ What’s next for Colbert — and for comedy on network TV 💬 What do you think? Do you believe CBS made the right call? Is this purely a business decision, or something more political? Should Colbert return on another platform — or go independent like Jon Stewart or John Oliver? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. We read every one.
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