Jon Stewart Slams CBS Over Colbert Cancellation, Accuses Network of Caving to Trump Pressure

TV host Jon Stewart has unleashed a fiery critique of CBS and its parent company, Paramount, calling out their recent decision to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” During Monday night’s episode of “The Daily Show,” Stewart didn’t hold back, accusing the network of “bending the knee” to former President Donald Trump amid fears tied to Paramount’s controversial $8 billion merger with Skydance Media.

The cancellation of Colbert’s long-running late-night show, set to end in May 2026, has sparked backlash across the entertainment world. Stewart argued that CBS is not being honest about its reasoning, suggesting it wasn’t just about money. “You don’t just cancel your top-rated late-night show unless there’s another reason,” Stewart said, questioning whether it was a financial decision or “the path of least resistance” under political pressure.

Stewart highlighted the value that outspoken shows like Colbert’s have brought to Paramount, especially in the midst of a major merger that requires approval from the Trump administration. He accused the company of censoring creative voices to avoid political backlash, saying, “If you think being bland will keep you safe from Trump, you are f—ing wrong.”

Colbert, in response to the cancellation, joked that CBS made “one mistake—they left me alive.” Promising an unfiltered final season, he vowed to speak “unvarnished truth to power” for the remaining months of the show.

As the story unfolds, Stewart’s message is clear: corporate fear shouldn’t silence bold voices, and networks must choose whether to protect their bottom line or stand for creative freedom.

Stay with NJ Recorder for more updates on the future of late-night television and political reactions from Hollywood’s biggest names.