The news that CBS has officially cancelled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with fans and critics alike questioning the motivations behind the decision. The show, which has been a staple of late-night television for over three decades, will air its final episode in May 2026, marking the end of its 33-year run. Colbert made the announcement during a taping on Thursday, telling the live studio audience that he was informed just the day before. The crowd reacted with audible boos, reflecting the shock and disappointment that many felt in the wake of the news.

But as Colbert’s show is set to come to an end, questions have emerged about the future of other late-night programs, particularly Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show. Given the growing speculation that Colbert’s cancellation could be politically motivated, many are now wondering whether Stewart’s show could be next.

The End of an Era: Colbert’s Departure from CBS

Stephen Colbert’s Late Show has become synonymous with late-night television, thanks to his sharp political humor, insightful commentary, and memorable celebrity interviews. Colbert’s ascension to the anchor chair in 2015 followed the retirement of David Letterman, and under his leadership, The Late Show became a dominant force in late-night TV, particularly as the political landscape shifted dramatically during the Trump administration. Colbert’s biting criticism of former President Donald Trump played a significant role in boosting the show’s ratings, and he quickly became a voice of resistance against the Trump administration, helping CBS maintain its competitive edge in a crowded late-night landscape.

However, on Thursday, Colbert shared the shocking news that his show would be coming to an end in 2026, with CBS choosing to retire the entire Late Show franchise. “It’s not just the end of the show, it is the end of the Late Show on CBS,” Colbert said, acknowledging that his cancellation was not a result of being replaced but rather the end of an era. Colbert expressed his gratitude to CBS for the platform and the opportunity to host the show, calling his time there a privilege.

The announcement comes just two weeks after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settled a lawsuit filed by former President Trump against CBS News, raising further speculation about the potential political motivations behind Colbert’s exit. Given Colbert’s long history of vocal criticism of Trump, many believe that the cancellation could be part of a larger corporate strategy to appease Trump’s supporters and avoid further political fallout.

The Speculation: Is The Daily Show Next?

As the news of Colbert’s cancellation reverberated through the entertainment world, speculation quickly turned to Jon Stewart and his current role at The Daily Show. Stewart, who returned to television in 2021 after a hiatus, hosts The Daily Show on Apple TV+, where he has maintained his sharp commentary on current events and politics. Stewart’s return to the late-night scene had already raised questions about the changing landscape of late-night television, and Colbert’s exit has only added fuel to the fire.

When asked about the future of his own show, Stewart responded with typical humor during an episode of his podcast The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart. “Unfortunately, we haven’t heard anything from them,” Stewart said, shrugging. “They haven’t called me and said, like, ‘Don’t get too comfortable in that office, Stewart.’ But let me tell you something, I’ve been kicked out of shittier establishments than that. We’ll land on our feet.”

Despite Stewart’s lighthearted response, the question remains: Is The Daily Show next on the chopping block? Some viewers and political commentators have speculated that the cancellation of Colbert’s show is part of a broader corporate strategy to distance itself from political content, especially as networks and media companies face increasing pressure from conservative circles.

One user on social media posted, “We all know this was another demand by Trump. Jon Stewart will be next. He’s silencing the media, and corporations are caving faster than the Republican party.” Another added, “CBS canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was political. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is probably next. Paramount and David Ellison suck.”

The Corporate Backdrop: Paramount’s Merging and Financial Pressures

CBS and its parent company, Paramount, have been facing significant financial pressures in recent years. The media landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, which have disrupted traditional broadcast and cable TV. The decline in ad revenue has forced networks like CBS to reconsider their programming strategies, especially as they navigate mergers and acquisitions. Paramount is in the midst of a merger with Skydance Media, which has added to the uncertainty surrounding Colbert’s cancellation.

In a statement, CBS president George Cheeks, alongside other executives, emphasized that Colbert’s cancellation was purely a financial decision due to the changing landscape of late-night television. “The financial side of that business has definitely been under pressure,” Cheeks said, “but if CBS believes it can escape without some serious questions about capitulating to Trump, they are seriously deluded.”

The cancellation of The Late Show reflects broader shifts in the media landscape, where corporate decisions are increasingly influenced by financial constraints and the desire to avoid controversy. The rising cost of late-night programming, combined with declining viewership in certain demographics, has left networks like CBS in a difficult position.

The Fallout: How Will This Affect the Future of Late-Night Television?

The cancellation of The Late Show has sent shockwaves through the late-night television community. While some see this as an inevitable consequence of the changing media landscape, others believe it reflects a deeper ideological divide within the industry. Colbert’s show was one of the last major holdouts of politically-driven late-night television, where hosts openly skewered political figures and current events. With Colbert’s departure, there may be fewer platforms for political satire on broadcast television.

For Jon Stewart, the future of The Daily Show remains uncertain, and the fate of his show could depend on the direction Apple TV+ chooses to take with its late-night programming. If CBS’s financial pressures are any indication, the future of late-night television may lean toward a more entertainment-focused, apolitical format, rather than the politically charged commentary that has defined shows like The Late Show and The Daily Show.

Conclusion: Is This the End of Political Late Night?

The end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a significant moment in the evolution of late-night television. Whether the cancellation is due to financial pressures, political considerations, or a combination of both, it signals a shift in the way networks are approaching late-night programming. With Colbert’s departure, the question remains whether other politically-driven late-night shows, such as The Daily Show, will continue to thrive or face similar fates.

As CBS moves forward with its restructuring, only time will tell whether this marks the end of an era for political late-night television or the beginning of a new phase that leans more toward entertainment and less toward political discourse. One thing is certain: the cancellation of Colbert’s show has set a precedent, and the future of late-night television is now in flux.