In a surprising development that took the internet by storm, CBS has announced the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” marking its exit from the late-night television landscape. The network stated financial pressures as the reason for ending the top-rated program, with the final episode scheduled for May 2026.
What is Stephen Colbert’s net worth?
Stephen Colbert has a net worth of $75 million. Best known for hosting the Comedy Central news satire show The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014, and the CBS talk show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since September 2015. However, Colbert’s financial success is largely attributed to his diversified portfolio, with a significant portion of his income derived from his television career. He has earned substantial salaries from his roles on highly acclaimed shows such as ‘The Daily Show’, ‘The Colbert Report’, and his current position on ‘The Late Show’.
Colbert’s annual earnings reportedly began at $6 million in his 2015 debut year. By October 2019, a contract increased his pay to $15 million annually. He secured a three-year extension in June 2023, lasting until May 2026. Producing approximately 168 shows each year, his per-episode earnings are roughly $89,800, cementing his position as a prominent figure in late-night television.
“Beyond his work on ‘The Late Show, ‘ Stephen Colbert has diversified his career and accumulated wealth through various ventures. He is a published author, with popular books including ‘I Am America (and So Can You!)’ and ‘America Again’.
Colbert has also lent his voice to animated projects like ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’, ‘The Venture Bros’, ‘Crank Yankers’, ‘American Dad!’, and ‘The Simpsons’. His acting credits extend to guest appearances in television shows such as “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Spin City,” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and a minor supporting role in the 2005 film “Bewitched.”
Additionally, he has established a presence on Broadway and continues to engage in various production ventures, showcasing his talents as both a producer and an actor. He also released a Christmas comedy special on Comedy Central, “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
Why was the show cancelled?
This decision to cancel the show came just weeks after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settled a lawsuit with President Trump, leading to speculation about the future of Colbert’s show given his frequent on-air criticisms of Trump. Colbert himself shared the news with his audience during a recent taping, stating, “Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending our show in May. It’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS.”
Stephen Colbert took the reins of ‘The Late Show’ in 2015, inheriting a legacy established over three decades by figures like David Letterman, who defined the signature elements of the show in the 90s. Building on his experience with Paramount’s ‘The Daily Show’ and the widely renowned commercial hit ‘The Colbert Report’, Colbert brought his distinct sharp wit, political insight, and critical perspective to the show, leaving a significant mark through ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’.
Soon enough, Colbert cultivated a dedicated following and wielded significant cultural influence, leading to widespread dismay when his show was cancelled. Beyond his impact, the late show host also amassed an empire worth millions that significantly boosted his net worth beyond the upper limit of his salary.
How did Trump take the news?
Trump celebrated the cancellation of a popular CBS late-night talk show, expressing his delight over the news on social media. “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” he posted on Truth Social. Trump went on to state that ” his (Colbert’s) talent was even less than his ratings.” He further remarked that Jimmy Kimmel should be the next to be sacked, stating Kimmel “has even less talent than Colbert!” Trump concluded by praising Greg Gutfeld, the Fox News anchor, as being “better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.”