Stephen Colbert Late Show Ending: A No-Brainer Analysis
Samantha Bee on Stephen Colbert’s ”Late Show” Ending: A “No-brainer” Amidst Paramount-Skydance Merger
Samantha Bee, the sharp-witted host of the now-concluded “Full Frontal,” has weighed in on the speculated reasons behind the potential ending of Stephen colbert’s “Late Show.” Speaking on the “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa” podcast, Bee suggested that while CBS cited financial reasons for the decision, it was also likely influenced by a desire to ”curry favor with the president” during the ongoing merger between Paramount, CBS’s parent company, and Skydance.
“I think both things are true,” Bee stated, acknowledging the financial pressures facing legacy television programs.”It definitely was hemorrhaging money.These legacy shows are hemorrhaging money with no real end to that…in sight, people are just not tuning in.”
Bee elaborated on the changing media landscape, noting that audiences are now more informed and engaged with current events through digital platforms. “People are literally on their phones all the time for one thing, so they actually don’t need a recap of the day’s events.They’re very well-versed in what has happened.”
Drawing from her own experience hosting “Full Frontal” for seven seasons (2016-2022),Bee revealed that avoiding controversy during network mergers was a “constant source of conversation.” From her perspective, the decision to end “the Late Show” appeared to be a straightforward one for CBS.
“It’s so much easier for them to cut it loose with this merger coming down the pike,” Bee explained. “It makes the decision such a no-brainer, and probably the most agonizing decisions they were having were about how do we float this? How do we not get a lot of blowback? I’m sure they knew it was happening a long time ago.”
Despite her candid assessment of the business realities, Bee expressed her personal feelings about the situation, calling the potential cancellation “awful.”
“I love Stephen,” she said warmly. “I consider him to be a friend. I think he’s amazing. I’m shocked, not surprised.”