CBS Cancels "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"; Boycott Calls Emerge

CBS has canceled "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," with its final episode scheduled to air the week of May 24, 2026. The decision has prompted calls on social media for a boycott of CBS programming, including its sports broadcasts. The show was reportedly costing the network approximately $40 million per year in losses.

Show Cancellation

CBS ended production of Stephen Colbert's late-night talk show. The program had been part of the network's lineup and was the subject of a cancellation decision that, according to some reports, was influenced by its annual financial performance.

Reactions to the Cancellation

Jimmy Kimmel, host of a competing late-night program on ABC, addressed the cancellation on his show. He expressed support for the Colbert staff and concluded with a statement urging viewers to stop watching CBS.

"I'm down with boycotting CBS... but there is no way on this green Earth I'm giving up the NFL!!"

On social media, users posted calls for a public boycott of CBS. These calls have extended to the network's sports broadcasts, which include NFL games, the NCAA Tournament, and The Masters golf tournament.

Responses from Viewers

Among NFL fans, reactions have been mixed. Some have expressed a willingness to boycott CBS generally but have indicated reluctance to stop watching the network's NFL game broadcasts. One viewer was quoted as saying, "I'm down with boycotting CBS... but there is no way on this green Earth I'm giving up the NFL!!"

Financial and Rating Context

CBS broadcasts some of the most-watched live events in the United States, including NFL games. Some analysts and observers have noted that a boycott is considered unlikely to significantly affect the network's ratings for these major broadcasts.