Stewart vs CBS: Jon Stewart’s Rant Ignites Fight to Save Late Night TV

July 29, 2025, 10:59 AM +07 – In a blistering, unfiltered monologue on his Apple TV+ show The Problem with Jon Stewart, Jon Stewart unleashed a raw and ruthless attack on CBS, accusing the network of “cowardice” and “corporate collusion” in the abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. His 12-minute rant, delivered last night, may have just sparked a movement to save late-night television, galvanizing viewers, peers, and industry insiders. Stewart’s fiery words, amplified by a viral storm on X, have reignited debates about free speech, media power, and the future of a genre struggling to survive in a polarized era.

Stewart, 62, a comedy legend known for his 16-year tenure on The Daily Show, didn’t hold back. “CBS, you’re not just canceling a show—you’re gutting the soul of late-night,” he declared, slamming the network’s decision to end Colbert’s run in May 2026. The cancellation, announced July 17, 2025, cited $40 million in annual losses, but Stewart called it a “smokescreen” for political appeasement. He pointed to CBS’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump for his presidential library, finalized days before the cancellation, as evidence of a “quid pro quo” to appease a “vengeful” administration. “You think we don’t see the timing? You’re not slick,” he quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The rant, described on X as “vintage Stewart,” was a masterclass in blending humor with righteous indignation. He mocked CBS co-CEO George Cheeks, joking, “George, you’re running a network, not a lemonade stand—act like it.” Stewart highlighted Colbert’s ratings dominance—3.2 million nightly viewers, per Nielsen Media Research—arguing that financial losses were a “convenient excuse” to silence a critic who called the Trump settlement “appeasement” on air. He connected the dots to Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media, led by Trump ally David Ellison, suggesting CBS bowed to political pressure. “This isn’t about money—it’s about power,” he said, sparking cheers from his studio audience.

X erupted, with #StewartSavesLateNight trending globally. One user posted, “Jon Stewart just lit CBS on fire—save Colbert!” Another wrote, “This rant is why late-night still matters.” Clips of the monologue garnered 4 million views within hours, fueled by endorsements from peers like Jimmy Fallon, who declared on X, “Jon’s right—CBS started a war.” The Writers Guild of America echoed Stewart, calling for an FCC investigation into “potential censorship.” Even Senator Elizabeth Warren weighed in, tweeting, “Stewart’s calling out CBS’s cowardice. We need answers on this $16M deal.”

CBS’s response was muted. A spokesperson reiterated that The Late Show’s cancellation was “purely financial,” denying political motives. Yet, leaked emails circulating on X reveal executives discussing “reining in” Colbert after his Trump critiques, lending credence to Stewart’s claims. The network’s silence on specifics, coupled with its failure to address similar allegations from Jamie Lee Curtis, who claimed CBS issued gag orders, has fueled public distrust. A 2025 Gallup poll shows only 31% of Americans trust mainstream media, making Stewart’s rant a lightning rod for broader frustrations.

The stakes for late-night TV are high. The genre, once a cultural cornerstone, has seen viewership drop 20% since 2020, per Nielsen, as audiences shift to streaming and social media. Colbert’s cancellation, following Trevor Noah’s 2022 exit from The Daily Show, signals a potential decline. Stewart, who returned to The Daily Show part-time in 2024, argued that late-night’s role as a “truth-teller” is irreplaceable. “When networks cave to pressure, they’re not just killing shows—they’re killing discourse,” he said, citing his own 2015 departure from Comedy Central amid rumored tensions with executives.

Stewart’s rant wasn’t just about Colbert. He took aim at the broader media landscape, accusing CBS, NBC, and ABC of “pre-compliance” with political figures. He referenced Karoline Leavitt’s recent clashes with Kimmel and Doocy, noting, “They’re scared of a 27-year-old press secretary, but not of silencing a generation.” His call to action—“Support the comedians who speak truth, or lose them forever”—resonated with fans and creators alike. Seth Meyers tweeted, “Jon’s fighting for all of us,” while Kimmel, facing his own cancellation rumors, posted a cryptic, “Keep talking, Jon.”

The industry is at a crossroads. CBS faces advertiser backlash, with Unilever reportedly pausing campaigns, and Paramount’s stock dipped 3% today. The Skydance merger, pending FCC approval, adds complexity, with Warren warning of “corporate-political collusion.” Stewart’s influence, built on decades of incisive commentary, could rally viewers to demand accountability. His 2004 Crossfire takedown, which ended that show, proves his power to shift media narratives. On X, one user reflected, “Stewart’s rant isn’t just saving Colbert—it’s saving late-night’s soul.”

The fallout is ongoing. Colbert, emboldened, vowed “unfiltered truth” until his show ends, while Stewart’s Apple TV+ platform gives him freedom to push boundaries. The public’s response—boycott calls against CBS, trending hashtags—suggests a movement brewing. As one X post declared, “Jon Stewart’s rant woke America up. CBS can’t hide.” Whether his words save late-night or simply mark its defiance, Stewart’s raw, ruthless stand has reminded the world why comedy matters—and why the fight for its voice is far from over.