Rob Burnett Reflects on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Cancellation: ‘Why Corporate Mergers Should Never Be Threatened’

CBS has decided to cancel the Late Show With Stephen Colbert, marking the end of a late-night era that began in 1993 with David Letterman. This move surprised many fans and insiders.

Rob Burnett, who wrote for Late Night With David Letterman and was involved with the Late Show for its entire run, shared his thoughts on the cancellation. He joked about the original goal of the show: to make people laugh without causing corporate trouble.

The cancellation comes amid discussions about corporate mergers, specifically, Paramount Global is undergoing a significant acquisition by Skydance. Just days before the announcement, Colbert criticized a $16 million settlement involving Trump and 60 Minutes, suggesting it was a strategic move to smooth the merger process.

Colbert’s show has had a strong viewership and recently received another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Talk Series. So, when CBS described the cancellation as strictly a financial decision, it raised eyebrows. Burnett wasn’t convinced, stating that dismissing a talent like Colbert didn’t add up.

Interestingly, late-night TV faces a shifting landscape. Viewership numbers show significant changes over the past few years, with younger audiences gravitating toward streaming platforms rather than traditional late-night shows. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, about 44% of people aged 18 to 29 prefer online content over television.

Burnett also expressed confidence in Colbert’s future, saying, “Stephen is as good as it gets. He will be back.” This sentiment echoes many fans’ beliefs that Colbert will remain a significant voice in entertainment.

As the late-night landscape continues to evolve, this cancellation highlights the ongoing challenges and changes within traditional media. For more insights into the nuances of the late-night world, check out sources like The Hollywood Reporter.

Source link

CBS,Late Show With Stephen Colbert,Rob Burnett,Stephen Colbert