Anyone tuning into The Late Show last week probably noticed Stephen Colbert turning up the heat. Known for mocking former President Donald Trump, Colbert has always taken swipes. But since news of his show’s cancellation, he’s been even more aggressive — and CBS executives are not amused.
In his first episode after the cancellation was announced, Colbert didn’t hold back. He sarcastically dubbed himself a “martyr” while attacking Trump’s celebratory social media posts. He even warned other “untalented” hosts they could be next. Then he ended the segment with a blunt message: “Go f-ck yourself.”
The crowd loved it. Viewers online backed him too. But CBS bosses? Not so much. According to journalist Rob Shuter, things behind the scenes have reached a boiling point. Network execs reportedly held an emergency meeting the next morning, and the mood wasn’t good.
“He’s daring us to fire him,” two senior executives allegedly said. “And honestly? We’re close to doing it. He’s been warned. What he said was unacceptable. There are real consequences this time.”
CBS officially blamed the cancellation on finances, but insiders say that’s not the full story. Some believe Colbert’s unfiltered rants were becoming too much, especially now that he knows he’s on borrowed time. And with South Park also launching a new season packed with anti-Trump content, tensions are high across multiple networks.
Unlike South Park, which is pre-recorded and vetted before air, Colbert’s show — while not live — still passed through multiple hands. So if CBS truly had an issue with the content, they could have cut it. That they didn’t only adds to the chaos.
One source told reporters that Colbert is “off the leash and out for blood.” Even more ominous? “We’re scared. He knows the secrets. He knows where the bodies are buried. If we push him too hard, he could take us all down with him.”
That kind of insider knowledge gives Colbert serious leverage. And while his show still has time left on the schedule, there's growing speculation he won’t make it to the finale. At this point, anything could happen.
Love him or hate him, Colbert isn’t backing down quietly. And with other late-night hosts sharing his views, CBS may find itself in the crosshairs of an entire comedy front. Stay tuned — the fireworks aren’t over yet.