Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann has shared his ideas on CBS’ stunning resolution to cancel The Late Present With Stephen Colbert, dismissing claims that the transfer was politically motivated.
CBS introduced it was ending The Late Present final Thursday (July 17), with this system set to air its last episode in Could 2026. Colbert, who has hosted the long-running late-night present since 2015, won’t get replaced; as a substitute, The Late Present will likely be utterly departing the community.
Whereas CBS mentioned the choice was a monetary one, many followers and critics, together with political figures, have claimed the cancelation got here resulting from political causes. CBS’ father or mother firm, Paramount, is within the midst of a proposed merger with Skydance, which requires approval from President Donald Trump, a longtime goal of Colbert.
One X consumer shared a put up on Friday evening (July 18), writing, “We’re formally on the ‘pulling comedians off the air who criticize our expensive chief’ section of fascism” over a photograph of Colbert.
Olbermann, who served as an MSNBC host between 2003 and 2011, replied to the put up, saying, “Sorry. That’s not what occurred right here. If it had, they wouldn’t be holding him on till subsequent MAY.”
Sorry. That’s not what occurred right here. If it had, they wouldn’t be holding him on till subsequent MAY
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) July 19, 2025
CBS maintains the cancelation was resulting from monetary causes, stating the present loses round $40 million per 12 months. Regardless of this, Colbert stays the highest-rated late-night present among the many broadcast networks, averaging round 2.4 million viewers per episode. Nevertheless, scores throughout the board for late-night have been on a gentle decline for years.
Others, nonetheless, proceed to counsel the choice was politically motivated. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who opened an investigation in Could into whether or not Paramount was partaking in bribery with Trump, wrote, “CBS canceled Colbert’s present simply THREE DAYS after Colbert referred to as out CBS father or mother firm Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that appears like bribery. America deserves to know if his present was canceled for political causes.”
Vermont Impartial Sen. Bernie Sanders added, “CBS’s billionaire homeowners pay Trump $16 million to settle a bogus lawsuit whereas attempting to promote the community to Skydance. Stephen Colbert, a rare expertise and the preferred late evening host, slams the deal. Days later, he’s fired. Do I believe it is a coincidence? NO.”
Paramount just lately settled with Trump after the President sued the community over a 60 Minutes interview together with his 2024 election opponent Kamala Harris, which he claimed was edited in her favor. Whereas many authorized consultants referred to as the declare “frivolous,” Paramount settled with Trump for $16 million.
The Late Present With Stephen Colbert, Weeknights, 11:35/10:35c, CBS