The Rubin Report: Stephen Colbert Humiliated as NY Post Exposes the Real Reason He Was Cancelled
Hosted by Dave Rubin
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Rubin Report, Dave Rubin delves into the recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show, exploring the underlying reasons beyond the official financial statements. Rubin critiques the evolution of late-night comedy, the influence of corporate interests, and the broader cultural shifts impacting media and free speech.

Stephen Colbert's Cancellation

Rubin opens the discussion by highlighting the shocking revelation from the New York Post about the real reasons behind the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show.

[06:15] Dave Rubin: "CBS cited finances for canceling the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, claiming losses between $40 million and $50 million a year. However, sources indicate that Colbert's political commentary played a significant role in this decision."

Rubin argues that Colbert's shift towards more politically charged content deviated from the traditionally apolitical nature of late-night hosts like Johnny Carson and David Letterman.

[07:37] Stephen Colbert: "Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending the Late Show in May."

He mockingly critiques Colbert's acknowledgment of his show's shortcomings, suggesting that the financial losses were the primary factor rather than any political agenda.

[08:07] Stephen Colbert: "I am extraordinarily deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here. We get to do this show."

[08:18] Dave Rubin: "The 200 people who weren't particularly good at their jobs. Although the lighting is pretty good... But putting aside the staff, Colbert's show was losing $40 million a year, which is unsustainable for CBS."

The Evolution of Late-Night Comedy

Rubin traces the history of late-night shows, emphasizing how they were once platforms for light-hearted entertainment, devoid of political bias.

[02:30] Dave Rubin: "Johnny Carson was completely apolitical. The same goes for Jay Leno and David Letterman. Their shows were about entertaining, not pushing a political agenda."

He contrasts this with the modern landscape, where hosts like Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and others have infused their programs with political commentary, leading to polarized audiences and declining ratings.

[04:50] Dave Rubin: "Stephen Colbert and his contemporaries ushered in an era of hyper-political comedy, which many viewers have grown tired of, contributing to declining ratings."

Corporate Interests and Media Control

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing how corporate decisions influence media content. Rubin posits that Colbert's alignment with political narratives detrimental to CBS's bottom line led to his show's cancellation.

[12:45] Dave Rubin: "Colbert was giving the machine what it wants—political pandering—leading to reduced advertiser revenue and ultimately his show's demise."

He criticizes the media establishment for prioritizing financial gains over genuine free speech and honest discourse.

Critique of Current Media and Free Speech

Rubin extends his critique to broader media practices, accusing organizations like NPR and PBS of bias and failure to uphold journalistic integrity.

[17:36] Brian Stelter: "CBS has canceled Stephen Colbert after next season for financial reasons. Simultaneously, Colbert remains the number one show in its time slot."

[23:22] Unknown: "Paramount is seeking FCC approval for its Sky Dance merger. Canceling Colbert appears to be an effort to appease political pressures."

Rubin dismisses claims that Colbert's cancellation is tied to censorship or free speech suppression, attributing it instead to mere financial losses.

[24:06] Dave Rubin: "If it were truly about censorship, we'd see much more drastic measures. This is purely a business decision based on sunk costs and profitability."

The Woke Culture and Its Impact on Comedy

The episode delves into how "woke" culture has transformed comedy, making it more restrictive and less edgy. Rubin uses the example of Shane Gillis, a comedian who was canceled from Saturday Night Live over offensive remarks, to illustrate the decline of free comedic expression.

[31:06] Dave Rubin: "Shane Gillis's cancellation before he even appeared on SNL is emblematic of the reach of cancel culture, stifling comedians before they can even showcase their talents."

He contrasts past comedic freedoms with the present, where comedians face severe backlash for crossing certain lines, leading to a homogenized and less authentic comedic landscape.

Trump's Influence and Media Dynamics

Rubin addresses the role of former President Donald Trump in shaping media narratives and corporate decisions. He suggests that while Trump may enjoy certain media portrayals, the real issue lies in media corporations prioritizing their interests over unbiased reporting.

[50:11] Stephen Colbert: "President Trump has made the USA the hottest and most respected country in the world today."

Rubin criticizes Trump's focus on issues like the Washington Redskins' name change as distractions from more substantial political discourse.

[52:30] Dave Rubin: "Trump's obsession with team names like the Redskins is absurd and detracts from meaningful policy discussions."

The Future of Media and Independent Platforms

Concluding the episode, Rubin advocates for decentralized media platforms as a solution to the problems plaguing traditional media. He emphasizes the importance of independent streaming services and online broadcasts in fostering genuine free speech and diverse viewpoints.

[58:25] Dave Rubin: "We're running this show on Starlink and a propane generator, proving that independent media can thrive without corporate interference. This is the future of honest discourse."

Rubin underscores the importance of supporting independent media ventures to bypass the constraints of corporate and political agendas, ensuring that free speech remains intact.

Conclusion

Dave Rubin's episode of The Rubin Report offers a scathing critique of the current state of late-night comedy, media bias, and the influence of corporate interests on free speech. By dissecting the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show, Rubin highlights the diminishing space for genuine, apolitical discourse in mainstream media. He calls for a shift towards independent media platforms to preserve the integrity of free speech and honest conversations in the public sphere.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Rubin [06:15]: "CBS cited finances for canceling the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, claiming losses between $40 million and $50 million a year. However, sources indicate that Colbert's political commentary played a significant role in this decision."

• Stephen Colbert [07:37]: "Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending the Late Show in May."

• Dave Rubin [08:18]: "Colbert's show was losing $40 million a year, which is unsustainable for CBS."

• Brian Stelter [17:36]: "CBS has canceled Stephen Colbert after next season for financial reasons. Simultaneously, Colbert remains the number one show in its time slot."

• Beautiful Sign-off [58:25]: "We're running this show on Starlink and a propane generator, proving that independent media can thrive without corporate interference. This is the future of honest discourse."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, offering a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting significant quotes and timestamps for reference.