Simply hours earlier than Colbert’s firing was introduced, Jon Stewart opened up on “The Weekly Present” podcast, candidly admitting that he has “no concept” what the long run holds for “The Each day Present,” which he just lately returned to host.
Article continues beneath commercial
Jon Stewart Voices Concern Over Future Of ‘The Each day Present’
“Sadly, we haven’t heard something from them,” Stewart stated of Comedy Central and father or mother firm Paramount. “They haven’t known as me and stated like, ‘Don’t get too comfy in that workplace, Stewart!’” He added with fun, “I’ve been kicked out of sh-ttier institutions than that. We’ll land on our toes.”
However even with humor, Stewart’s unease was clear. “I’d wish to consider that… with out ‘The Each day Present’, Comedy Central is type of like muzak at this level,” he stated. “I feel we’re the one type of life that exists on a present foundation apart from ‘South Park.’”
Article continues beneath commercial
The 62-year-old host expressed hope that the present nonetheless brings “sufficient worth” to Comedy Central, although he acknowledged that will not be a part of the corporate’s present “consideration,” particularly as Paramount faces main upheaval amid its proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance.
Article continues beneath commercial
Stephen Colbert’s Axing Sparks Trade Panic
CBS shocked followers and trade insiders alike when it confirmed Thursday that “The Late Present with Stephen Colbert” would finish its historic run in Could 2026. The choice, CBS stated, was “purely a monetary choice towards a difficult backdrop in late evening,” and never a mirrored image of Colbert’s efficiency or political content material.
Nonetheless, the timing has raised eyebrows. Colbert had simply gone on a fiery rant on-air, blasting Paramount for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump over claims the community manipulated a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris.
Calling the settlement a “huge, fats, bribe,” Colbert accused Paramount of giving in too simply. “They know ‘utterly with out benefit.’ Paramount produced ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beast,’ in spite of everything,” he quipped.
Article continues beneath commercial
Now, studies declare “The Late Present” was hemorrhaging $40 million yearly, making it a straightforward goal for the chopping block as Paramount restructures forward of the merger.
Article continues beneath commercial
Inside Stephen Colbert’s Exit
Stephen Colbert, whose remaining broadcast is ready for Could 2026, reportedly discovered that “The Late Present” was being canceled round July 4. The choice got here from Paramount Co-CEO George Cheeks, who then went on trip, leaving CBS executives to strategize behind Colbert’s again, as CNN reported.
Colbert confirmed the information internally on Thursday, racing to tell his group personally earlier than phrase leaked to the press. The comic was stated to be involved that his workers would possibly in any other case discover out about their looming unemployment from information headlines relatively than their very own management.
Whereas some speculated that Colbert’s vocal criticism of Donald Trump might have performed a job within the present’s demise, media analyst Matthew Belloni pushed again on that idea. He famous that though Colbert, together with Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, has change into identified for his constant Trump-targeted monologues, typically criticized by viewers as tiresome, there isn’t a confirmed proof that his cancellation was designed to appease the previous president.
Article continues beneath commercial
Trump Celebrates Colbert’s Cancellation, And Takes Intention At Late Evening Rivals
President Donald Trump wasted no time weighing in on Stephen Colbert’s “Late Present” cancellation, and his response was predictably gleeful.
Taking to Fact Social on Friday, Trump wrote, “I completely love that Colbert bought fired. His expertise was even lower than his scores.” He didn’t cease there, turning his consideration to fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
“I hear Jimmy Kimmel is subsequent. Has even much less expertise than Colbert,” Trump claimed, earlier than praising Fox Information’ Greg Gutfeld because the reigning voice of late-night. “[He’s] higher than all of them mixed, together with the Moron on NBC who ruined the as soon as nice ‘Tonight Present,’” Trump added, referencing Fallon.
The president has lengthy held a grudge towards the standard late-night circuit, which he’s continuously slammed as biased and out of contact.
Article continues beneath commercial
Is Stewart Subsequent?
Whereas “The Each day Present” isn’t going through speedy cancellation, Jon Stewart’s remarks and the precedent set by Stephen Colbert’s ousting have followers nervous.
Stewart, who initially hosted “The Each day Present” from 1999 to 2015 earlier than returning earlier this yr as a rotating host, acknowledged the uncertainty of staying on a community the place legacy franchises are all of the sudden being shuttered.
As Paramount and Skydance put together to finalize their merger, which nonetheless requires federal approval, even longtime stars like Stewart are feeling the instability creeping into once-reliable establishments of late-night TV.
For now, Stewart stays in his Comedy Central chair, however because the panorama continues to shift below his toes, even he admits that nothing is assured.
