Stephen Colbert finally did what everyone expected after CBS canceled his show

The late-night host ripped his own network after its lawyers warned against airing a Senate candidate interview in fear of FCC pushback

What was CBS thinking?

That was the reaction many of us had last summer when the network announced it was canceling Stephen Colbert’s late-night show — for two reasons. First, why cancel one of the most entertaining shows on TV, hosted by one of the best entertainers in the business?

Second, the timing was a recipe for trouble. CBS announced that the show would go off the air in May 2026. That meant Colbert would be on the air for 10 months when he could, if he chose to, air any grievances he had with a network that he already had issues with. After all, if he spoke out, what could CBS possibly do to him? He had essentially already been fired. CBS couldn’t fire him twice.