The End of Late Night: Economics, Not Censorship

24 Dec 2025 · 1 min

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TJ Walker argues that the cancellation of The Late Show on CBS was driven by economics rather than censorship, citing industry reports that the show cost CBS tens of millions annually (commonly reported as $30–$50M, with some reports up to $60–$70M), and noting the show employed about 200 staffers—contrast to a podcast format of roughly eight people—making the TV model financially unsustainable.

Questions this video answers

Commonly reported between $30 million and $50 million per year; some reports cited up to $60–$70 million.

The show reportedly had about 200 staff; a podcast alternative would have about eight people.

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We've seen in just the last few months a major dominant show like the Late show on CBS be canned. Now, many believe that it was for political reasons because the host of the show, Stephen Colbert, was often critical of senior officials in the United States government, shall we say. But by all, all reputable reporting on that issue, CBS was losing between 30 to 50. I've even seen reports go up to 60 or $70 million a year from that show. So regardless of your thought on the politics, it was a money losing venture. There just isn't enough audience to support a staff of 200, which they had where is presumably once the show goes off the air next year, Stephen Colbert will start a podcast that of having 200 people, he'll have eight.