Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Title: CBS Cancels The Late Show w/ Stephen Colbert, Why Late Night Is DYING
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Published By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Colin delves deep into the recent cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert by CBS. He explores the broader implications of this decision on the landscape of late-night television, the challenges faced by late-night shows in the current media environment, and reflects on the evolving role of comedians in political discourse.

Stephen Colbert's Decline and CBS's Decision

Colin begins by contextualizing his longstanding admiration for legendary late-night hosts like Johnny Carson and David Letterman, contrasting them with contemporary figures such as Stephen Colbert.

Colin Cowherd (03:13): "Carson was doing a show for the country, didn't do political stuff. It was always about the audience... Carson's the best, in my opinion, that's ever done it."

He laments the shift in Colbert's show from its initial comedic persona to a more politically charged format. This transformation, Colin argues, has alienated parts of the audience and advertisers alike.

Colin Cowherd (03:13): "There was a moment with Stephen Colbert... during COVID when his buddy, also, I think it's fair to say, a left leaner Jon Stewart came on the show... Colbert stepped on the bit... he was more about himself."

Recognizing the behind-the-scenes struggles, Colin points out that CBS was already facing financial strains with the show losing approximately $40 million annually and maintaining a large staff, making the cancellation a culmination of ongoing issues.

The Challenges Facing Late-Night Television

Colin attributes the decline of late-night shows to two primary factors:

1. Shifting Viewership Demographics: Younger audiences are increasingly eschewing traditional television in favor of digital platforms, leaving late-night shows with dwindling live viewership.

2. Political Polarization: Incorporating political content has made late-night shows less attractive to advertisers who fear being entangled in controversial or polarizing discussions.

Colin Cowherd (03:13): "These shows for the last seven years, they've lost half of their ad revenue. Why? Two reasons. One, young viewers don't stay up and watch TV anymore... The second reason they're dying is because the late night shows talk about politics."

He notes that even major networks like Fox News have advertisers pulling back to avoid the pitfalls of political discourse, highlighting a significant revenue challenge for these programs.

Comedians and the Art of Comedy

Throughout the episode, Colin expresses profound respect for comedians, emphasizing their ability to craft original material and perform it live—a process fraught with risk and requiring immense talent.

Colin Cowherd (03:13): "The ability to write your own stuff, perform. You're just putting yourself out there... the courage it would take to go out with a joke that's never been told."

He contrasts the commitment to comedic integrity held by icons like Johnny Carson and David Letterman with what he perceives as Stephen Colbert's self-centered approach, especially in moments where Colbert deviated from collaborative comedic bits.

Colin cites specific instances that he believes exemplify Colbert's shortcomings, such as the mishandling of a bit during a COVID-themed segment with Jon Stewart, leading to a breakdown in comedic timing and rapport.

Colin Cowherd (03:13): "Colbert stepped on it over and over again. He just couldn't get over himself. He just couldn't get past it."

Impact on the Future of Late-Night Shows

The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is portrayed by Colin as a pivotal moment signaling the potential end of an era for traditional late-night programming. He speculates that without adaptation, other late-night shows may follow suit as they grapple with similar challenges.

Colin Cowherd (03:13): "They were all going to die eventually. But Colbert had a moment... that we could talk all day long about how YouTube and young viewers don't watch TV."

Colin remains skeptical about the sustainability of late-night formats that heavily incorporate political content, suggesting that the landscape may shift further towards sports and news, which continue to hold robust viewership and advertising support.

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd concludes by reiterating his admiration for the craft of comedy and the importance of preserving the integrity of comedic performances. He urges listeners to seek out and support comedians who prioritize the art of making audiences laugh without succumbing to external pressures or shifting personal agendas.

Colin Cowherd (03:13): "The idea that you're going to go on a show and you've been working on Norm MacDonald would tell these four-minute jokes... it's amazing that the CO like Conan O'Brien more than once, is uncomfortable with Norm MacDonald because his jokes would go on forever."

In summarizing the episode, Colin underscores the fragile ecosystem of late-night television and the need for shows to balance comedy with audience expectations and advertiser interests to survive in an increasingly digital and fragmented media world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd (03:13): "Carson was doing a show for the country, didn't do political stuff... Carson's the best, in my opinion, that's ever done it."

• Colin Cowherd (03:13): "These shows for the last seven years, they've lost half of their ad revenue. Why? Two reasons..."

• Colin Cowherd (03:13): "There was a moment with Stephen Colbert... he was more about himself."

• Colin Cowherd (03:13): "The ability to write your own stuff, perform. You're just putting yourself out there."

• Colin Cowherd (03:13): "He just couldn't get past it. And maybe it didn't."

• Colin Cowherd (03:13): "The idea that you're going to go on a show and you've been working on Norm MacDonald would tell these four-minute jokes."

Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions led by Colin Cowherd regarding the state of late-night television and Stephen Colbert's show.