SHOCKING: Jasmine Crockett Slams CBS for Canceling The Late Show, Calling It a “Huge Mistake”
On July 24, 2025, at 9:15 PM PDT, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett ignited a firestorm with a blistering X post reacting to CBS’s cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. “Love you Stephen, but CBS just made a HUGE mistake!” she wrote, accusing the network of “caving to political pressure” and “silencing a voice that held power accountable.” The post, which garnered over 200,000 likes, has rocked the late-night TV landscape, amplifying tensions surrounding Colbert’s sudden exit, announced on July 17, 2025. With speculation swirling about Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance Media and its $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, Crockett’s explosive statement has fueled debates about whether this marks the beginning of the end for network comedy.
Crockett, a rising Democratic star known for her fiery rhetoric, didn’t hold back. “Colbert spoke truth to power, and CBS pulled the plug right after he called their Trump settlement a ‘big fat bribe,’” she posted, referencing his July 14 monologue. “This isn’t about money—it’s about control.” Her comments echo those of Tyrus, who labeled the cancellation a “huge mistake” on Gutfeld!, and Jon Stewart, who accused Paramount of bowing to Trump to secure the merger. The timing—three days after Colbert criticized Paramount’s payout over a 60 Minutes interview edit—has raised suspicions of political motives, despite CBS’s claim that the decision was “purely financial” due to $40-$50 million annual losses.
The Late Show, hosted by Colbert since 2015, has been a ratings juggernaut, averaging 2.42 million viewers nightly and leading the 11:35 p.m. slot for nine seasons. Its cancellation, effective May 2026, stunned fans and industry insiders, especially given its cultural impact. Colbert’s incisive monologues, often targeting Trump, made him a lightning rod, galvanizing viewers since 2016. Crockett, a frequent guest on the show, praised its role in “shaping discourse” and warned, “Killing The Late Show risks killing the soul of late-night TV.” Her post sparked a viral outcry, with #SaveColbert and #BoycottCBS trending on X, alongside messages like @TexasVoter22’s, “Jasmine’s right—CBS is scared of Trump’s wrath!”
The controversy ties to Paramount’s merger with Skydance, led by David Ellison, son of Trump ally Larry Ellison. The deal requires FCC approval, prompting speculation that CBS axed Colbert to appease the Trump administration. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff echoed Crockett’s concerns, with Schiff tweeting, “If this was political, the public deserves to know.” Trump celebrated on Truth Social, writing, “Colbert got fired. His talent was less than his ratings,” further fueling the narrative of retaliation. CBS insists the decision stems from a 50% drop in late-night ad revenue—from $439 million in 2018 to $220 million in 2024—making the show’s costly production unsustainable.
Crockett’s post also highlighted broader tensions in late-night TV. The genre, once a cultural touchstone, faces declining viewership as audiences shift to streaming and social media. The Washington Post noted that Colbert’s ratings fell from 3.1 million in 2017-2018 to 1.9 million last year, reflecting a broader trend. Competitors like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon face similar pressures, with NBC’s Tonight Show cutting to four nights a week and Late Night with Seth Meyers axing its band to save costs. Crockett argued that The Late Show’s cancellation signals a “dangerous precedent,” asking, “What happens when networks prioritize politics over creativity?”
Hollywood is reeling. The Hollywood Reporter called the cancellation’s optics “awful,” noting protests outside the Ed Sullivan Theater, where fans held signs reading, “Colbert Stays!” Late-night hosts rallied in solidarity, with Stewart, Kimmel, Fallon, and John Oliver appearing on Colbert’s July 21 episode for a comedic jab at CBS. Stewart’s scathing Daily Show monologue accused Paramount of taking the “path of least resistance” for the merger, warning, “If you make yourself flavorless, why would anyone watch?” Crockett amplified this, tweeting, “Jon’s right—CBS is gutting its own legacy.”
Critics argue the financial rationale holds weight. The Guardian reported that The Late Show’s $40 million losses are a “drop in the bucket” compared to the $8 billion merger, suggesting CBS prioritized deal security over the show. Yet, Crockett’s post, liked by figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Sandra Oh, has galvanized calls for accountability. “This isn’t just about Colbert—it’s about free speech,” she wrote. The Writers Guild of America demanded a state investigation, citing potential “bribery” in the Trump settlement.
As The Late Show’s final season looms, Crockett’s voice has elevated the debate, framing the cancellation as a battle for comedy’s soul. Her warning that “network comedy could be next” resonates, with USA Today questioning whether Kimmel, Fallon, or Stewart can survive the shifting landscape. For now, Colbert plans a “scorched-earth” final run, promising unfiltered truth. Crockett’s explosive post has ensured that CBS’s decision will be scrutinized, potentially reshaping how networks navigate power, politics, and the pursuit of laughter.
