UPDATE: Jon Stewart unleashed a passionate defense of his friend, Stephen Colbert, during a fiery monologue on “The Daily Show,” condemning CBS’s recent decision to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The announcement, made on July 18, 2025, has raised eyebrows amid claims that it serves as a capitulation to the Trump administration.
Stewart’s expletive-laden tirade came in response to CBS’s assertion that the cancellation was a “purely financial decision.” The network, owned by Paramount Global, cited challenging financial realities in the late-night landscape, with reports indicating Colbert’s show was losing over $40 million annually despite gaining viewers this year. Stewart, however, challenged the narrative, suggesting that the cancellation is more about appeasing Trump amid Paramount’s proposed merger with Skydance Media.
“When your industry is faced with changes, you don’t just call it a day,” Stewart argued, reflecting on the struggles of late-night television. He likened the financial model of late-night TV to “operating a Blockbuster kiosk inside of a Tower Records,” emphasizing the need for resilience rather than capitulation.
Stewart did not hold back, stating, “This is not the moment to give in. I’m not giving in.” He criticized CBS for sacrificing its integrity, claiming that the network lost credibility after settling a $16 million lawsuit with Trump, who accused CBS of deceptive editing on “60 Minutes.”
“I believe CBS lost the benefit of the doubt two weeks prior when they sold out their flagship news program to pay an extortion fee to said president,” Stewart declared, underscoring the implications of corporate fear gripping American institutions.
The monologue, which aired on Monday night, featured Stewart’s trademark humor and biting commentary, using variations of the f-word over two dozen times to underscore his frustration. The emotional weight of his words resonated with viewers, as he urged corporations and advertisers to “sack up” and stand firm against pressures from political figures.
Stewart’s remarks come at a crucial time when the late-night television landscape is undergoing significant changes. Advertising revenue for late-night shows has sharply declined, dropping from $439 million in 2018 to just $220 million in 2024, a trend reported by The New York Times.
As the media landscape shifts, many are left wondering what this means for the future of late-night programming. CBS maintains that the cancellation is strictly a financial decision unrelated to the show’s performance or content. However, Stewart’s passionate defense raises critical questions about the intersection of media, politics, and corporate accountability.
Stewart’s comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many calling for a reevaluation of how corporate interests influence programming decisions in entertainment. As the situation develops, viewers and critics alike will be watching closely to see how CBS navigates the fallout from this controversial decision.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story continues to unfold.
