John Oliver Reacts to ‘Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Being Canceled — And Why He’s ‘Partly Excited’

In a surprising turn of events, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been canceled by CBS, a decision that has rocked the late-night television world. The cancellation, reportedly driven by financial losses, has sparked mixed reactions from the industry and fans alike. Among those offering their insights into the news is John Oliver, who reacted to the development with a mixture of sadness and unexpected excitement.

Financial Struggles Behind the Cancellation

Sources close to the decision shared with The Post that CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show was primarily driven by financial reasons rather than any political or content-related concerns. The network had been facing significant losses, including a lack of advertisers for the show, which ultimately made its continued airing untenable. Despite Colbert’s popularity and strong ratings, the struggle to secure ad revenue in an increasingly fragmented television landscape led to the show’s demise.

A source familiar with CBS’s decision explained to The Post, “Colbert gets no advertising, and late night is a tough spot. Colbert might be No. 1, but who watches late night TV anymore?” This pointed to the broader struggles that late-night programming is facing in the modern television environment, where audience preferences have shifted significantly, and streaming services have largely supplanted traditional broadcast networks.

Political Tensions and the Tiffany Network

Interestingly, just days before the cancellation news broke, Stephen Colbert took a direct shot at CBS’s parent company, Paramount, over its controversial $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump concerning a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Colbert’s dig at the company raised eyebrows, particularly given that the settlement had become a point of contention among various media insiders.

The timing of Colbert’s remarks seemed to coincide with a larger power struggle at CBS, especially with the impending merger between Skydance Media and Paramount. Skydance CEO David Ellison, who is closely connected to Trump through his billionaire father, Larry Ellison, also played a role in the conversations surrounding the network’s future direction.

As the situation with the settlement and merger unfolded, it became clear that CBS, under the leadership of co-CEO George Cheeks, made the decision to pull the plug on The Late Show. Whether Colbert’s public criticism of the network had any influence on the final decision remains unclear, but the timing of the cancellation suggests that financial concerns were the driving factor.

John Oliver’s Mixed Emotions on the Cancellation

John Oliver, a prominent figure in late-night television with his show Last Week Tonight, was quick to react to the news of Colbert’s cancellation. While Oliver expressed disappointment over the end of a beloved program, he also admitted to feeling “partly excited” about the change. This surprising reaction stems from Oliver’s own experience navigating the late-night TV world, which has become increasingly difficult for traditional talk shows to thrive in.

Oliver’s show, while also a late-night fixture, has taken a different approach, blending political satire with investigative journalism, offering a more niche yet dedicated audience. Unlike Colbert’s Late Show, which had to cater to a broader, more general demographic, Oliver’s focus on deep dives into social and political issues has resonated with a particular audience seeking something beyond the typical late-night humor.

In an interview, Oliver shared, “Late-night TV is going through a change. And while I’m sad to see Stephen’s show go, I’m also partly excited about what’s coming next in this space. The old format is dying, and it’s time for something new. Maybe this opens up room for a different kind of late-night.”

The Shifting Landscape of Late-Night Television

The cancellation of The Late Show is emblematic of the larger shifts occurring within the late-night television landscape. With declining viewership, reduced advertising revenue, and the rise of digital streaming platforms, the traditional late-night talk show format has struggled to maintain its relevance in the modern media ecosystem. Networks like CBS, which had previously enjoyed dominance in the late-night space, are now grappling with the realities of a changing entertainment landscape.

While Colbert’s show was a dominant force in late-night television for many years, even surpassing competitors like Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel in ratings, the challenges faced by traditional network television are undeniable. With a growing preference for on-demand streaming content, many viewers have moved away from watching traditional late-night programming altogether. The rise of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube has made it easier for viewers to consume content on their own time, further reducing the necessity for tuning in to a live broadcast.

What’s Next for Colbert?

As for Stephen Colbert, the cancellation of The Late Show marks the end of a significant chapter in his career. However, Colbert’s future remains uncertain. Despite the challenges faced by late-night television, Colbert’s influence on the format and his established fan base mean that he could easily transition into a new project, whether it be another show or a different form of media altogether.

There has been speculation about Colbert potentially moving to a streaming platform, where the flexibility of content creation and audience reach could align more closely with the modern demands of viewers. While Colbert has yet to announce his next move, industry insiders believe that he remains a significant figure in the television landscape and will likely find new avenues to continue his work.

Conclusion: The End of an Era for CBS and Late-Night TV

The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert marks the end of an era for late-night television, but it also represents the evolving nature of the industry. With John Oliver’s mixed reaction and the broader conversation about the changing landscape of late-night, it’s clear that this is a pivotal moment for television. As networks navigate the challenges of digital transformation and shifting viewer habits, it remains to be seen what the future holds for late-night programming. The decision to cancel The Late Show signals that the world of talk shows is at a crossroads, and the next chapter in late-night TV is yet to be written.