CBS insists that its choice to end Stephen Colbert’s late-night comedy show stems from financial, not political, reasons. While skepticism surrounds that claim, it’s clear the economic landscape wasn’t in Colbert’s favor.
The network’s surprise announcement late Thursday that the Late Show will wrap up next May removes one of the most vocal television critics of President Donald Trump — and the top-rated show in late-night entertainment.
As the TV industry continues to struggle financially, tough decisions about talent and programming are already happening — and more are on the horizon. Late-night, in particular, faces its own set of challenges.
Back in 2018, broadcast networks earned an estimated $439 million in ad revenue from late-night shows, according to the ad firm Guidelines. By last year, that figure had fallen to just $220 million.
