The cancellation of The Late Present with Stephen Colbert has stirred up a plethora of conversations. A lot of these discussions revolve round the way forward for the late-night TV panorama, which is seemingly turning into more and more unstable as viewers eat media in assorted methods. On prime of that, although, others proceed to invest as as to whether CBS’ resolution to axe the present was purely “monetary” as acknowledged. Amid that, one of many franchise’s ex-producers, who labored with OG host David Letterman, is now weighing in.
Rob Burnett, particularly, is among the many newest individuals to share ideas, and he has fairly a little bit of expertise with late-night TV. In 1993, he began working as a writer-producer on Late Night time with David Letterman, which aired on NBC. Burnett in the end made the transfer to CBS with Letterman when The Late Present was picked up at that community. Deadline reached out to Burnett to ask concerning the Stephen Colbert information, throughout which he made a joke that referenced the company strikes which have been occurring on the Eye Community as of late:
Once we began the Late Present in 1993, we had the identical objectives everybody doing discuss exhibits has: make individuals snort and by no means threaten a company merger. If Colbert had been #1 and nominated for an Emmy two days prior none of this is able to have occurred.
The seasoned author is referring to the truth that Paramount World – CBS’ dad or mum firm – has been within the midst of finalizing its merger with Skydance. On the similar time, the company simply settled the $16 million lawsuit involving U.S. President Donald Trump and 60 Minutes. As famous by the commerce, that lawsuit was seen as the ultimate hurdle protecting Paramount from receiving FCC approval for its newest acquisition. Stephen Colbert himself, whereas on air, chastised his employers for settling the go well with with Trump.
Since The Late Present’s demise was confirmed, quite a few celebrities have taken to social media to air their grievances. Jimmy Kimmel and Bowen Yang had been among the many stars to achieve out, and plenty of are of the idea that Stephen Colbert is being penalized for his feedback versus being minimize for monetary causes. For his half, Rob Burnett cited Colbert’s recognition amongst discuss present hosts as one of many causes he’s not fully satisfied that cash was the driving power behind the cancellation:
Whereas the monetary panorama of late night time has undeniably modified, I don’t assume you dismiss a expertise like Stephen Colbert on this method. It simply doesn’t make sense. Stephen is pretty much as good because it will get. He might be heard from for a few years to return. They need to select their adversaries extra correctly.
Colbert’s stint on his present present, because it stands, remains to be slated to finish in Might 2026. It was in September 2015 that Colbert took over from David Letterman, who retired earlier that yr. Since taking on The Late Present, Colbert has acquired 11 Emmy nominations for his internet hosting duties, and he additionally gained a Peabody Award. Colbert addressed the cancellation information throughout an episode of his eponymous discuss present and, since then, insiders have reported that the crew isn’t proud of the choice. The on-air handle may be seen under:
Evidently loads of individuals have ideas on The Late Present’s destiny, and so they aren’t holding again these opinions. We’ll see if every other fellow TV producers be part of Rob Burnett in discussing the scenario because the 2025 TV schedule pushes on and Stephen Colbert and co. transfer nearer to the top of their run.