The Breakfast Club Podcast Summary
Episode Title: DONKEY: CBS Is Cancelling 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' Because Of Trump
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host: Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts
1. Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of The Breakfast Club, the hosts delve into a significant development in the entertainment industry: the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" by CBS amidst political tensions involving former President Donald Trump. The discussion highlights the intersection of media, politics, and corporate influence, providing listeners with a critical analysis of the events leading to this decision.
2. Donkey of the Day: CBS Cancels 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'
A. Overview of the Cancellation
Charlamagne Tha God introduces the main topic by announcing the "Donkey of the Day" as Paramount and CBS, criticizing their decision to cancel Stephen Colbert's late-night show. He expresses personal disappointment, noting his long-standing relationship with Paramount, dating back to when they were known as Viacom.
Charlamagne Tha God:
"Donkey of the Day for Friday, July 18th goes to Paramount and CBS as a staff TV network and mother effing crew."
[01:38]
B. Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart Address the Cancellation
The hosts play excerpts from Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, where they discuss the abrupt end of "The Late Show." Colbert attributes the cancellation to CBS's financial decisions, distancing it from the show's performance or content quality.
Stephen Colbert:
"CBS said the decision was purely financial, quote, against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount."
[03:00]
Jon Stewart:
"My parent corporation Paramount paid Donald Trump a $16 million settlement over his 60 Minutes lawsuit. As someone who has always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended and I don't know if anything will ever repair my trust in this company."
[03:10]
C. Charlamagne's In-Depth Commentary
Charlamagne provides a passionate analysis of the situation, linking the show's cancellation to broader political maneuvers aimed at appeasing Donald Trump. He argues that the $16 million settlement with Trump over a lawsuit regarding an edited interview with Kamala Harris is a strategic move by Paramount to secure a pending merger with Skydance.
Charlamagne Tha God:
"It's so obvious that Paramount is doing this to appease Donald Trump. ... Paramount is looking for FCC approval for its Sky Dance merger. Trump can block that if he wants to. So canceling Colbert is an obvious move to appease Donald Trump."
[05:51]
He further contends that such actions exemplify authoritarian tactics where corporations and administrations suppress dissent to maintain control over public discourse.
Charlamagne Tha God:
"This is textbook authoritarian rule. Target your critic, centralize power in a few hands, intimidate through punishment or removal... We are fully under authoritarian rule, okay?"
[07:45]
Charlamagne emphasizes the implications for free speech and media integrity, suggesting that Paramount's actions undermine trust in major news outlets and pave the way for increased censorship and control.
Charlamagne Tha God:
"This is not just a media story. It's a free speech funeral in slow motion. ... That's hush money for the truth. Stephen Colbert gets his show canceled after calling out the deal. That's not coincidence. That's consequence."
[09:15]
D. Implications and Future Outlook
The discussion concludes with concerns about the future of media freedom and the potential suppression of other outspoken critics within the industry. Charlamagne warns listeners about the erosion of trust in traditional media and the rise of alternative platforms that, while seemingly more honest, may be susceptible to misinformation.
3. News Segment: CEO Caught Cheating at Coldplay Concert
In addition to the main discussion, the hosts briefly touch upon a viral incident involving a CEO caught cheating at a Coldplay concert, highlighting societal views on infidelity and the public's fascination with celebrity mishaps.
Angela Yee:
"800-585-1051. We're asking, where's the craziest place you got caught cheating? ... This gentleman got caught at the Coldplay concert on the Kiss Cam. It went viral."
[11:38]
Charlamagne Tha God:
"Black men don't cheat. I am. I can't even participate in this topic."
[12:07]
The segment serves as a lighter counterpoint to the heavy political discourse, engaging listeners with relatable and entertaining content.
4. Conclusion
This episode of The Breakfast Club provides a critical examination of the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," framing it within the larger context of political influence and corporate strategy. Through incisive commentary and the inclusion of direct quotes from Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the potential ramifications for media freedom and political discourse in the United States.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Charlamagne Tha God:
"Donkey of the Day for Friday, July 18th goes to Paramount and CBS as a staff TV network and mother effing crew."
[01:38] -
Stephen Colbert:
"CBS said the decision was purely financial, quote, against a challenging backdrop in late night."
[03:00] -
Jon Stewart:
"Paramount paid Donald Trump a $16 million settlement over his 60 Minutes lawsuit."
[03:10] -
Charlamagne Tha God:
"This is textbook authoritarian rule. Target your critic, centralize power in a few hands..."
[07:45] -
Charlamagne Tha God:
"It's a free speech funeral in slow motion. ... That's consequence."
[09:15]
This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions and insights while providing context and direct quotes to enrich the narrative for those who haven't listened to the podcast.