Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Was Stephen Colbert’s late-night show cancellation about money or politics?

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was reportedly losing money, though a pending merger for CBS’ parent company may have also factored into the network’s decision to cancel the TV program.

By Madeleine Brand • Jul 21, 2025 • 1 min read

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was reportedly losing money, though a pending merger for CBS’ parent company may have also factored into the network’s decision to cancel the TV program.

The full episode

3 of 4

NPR stations are losing federal funds. What will they do?

0:00With CPB funding axed, small NPR stations rely on local support
12:11In a packed Boston courtroom, Harvard takes on Trump
22:50Was Stephen Colbert’s late-night show cancellation about money or politics?You’re reading this
32:34Backstreet Boys: New ‘Millennium,’ same popularity

The full episode

3 of 4

NPR stations are losing federal funds. What will they do?

0:00With CPB funding axed, small NPR stations rely on local support
12:11In a packed Boston courtroom, Harvard takes on Trump
22:50Was Stephen Colbert’s late-night show cancellation about money or politics?You’re reading this
32:34Backstreet Boys: New ‘Millennium,’ same popularity

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Was Stephen Colbert’s late-night show cancellation about money or politics?

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was reportedly losing money, though a pending merger for CBS’ parent company may have also factored into the network’s decision to cancel the TV program.

By Madeleine Brand • Jul 21, 2025 • 1 min read

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was reportedly losing money, though a pending merger for CBS’ parent company may have also factored into the network’s decision to cancel the TV program.