AFTER BEING CANCELED BY CBS, STEPHEN COLBERT COMES BACK WITH A VENGEANCE — TEAMS UP WITH JASMINE CROCKETT FOR A FEARLESS NEW SHOW THAT COULD REDEFINE LATE-NIGHT TELEVISION AS WE KNOW IT

In a stunning turn of events, Stephen Colbert, the sharp-witted comedian and former host of The Late Show on CBS, has reemerged from the ashes of his unexpected cancellation with a bold new venture that has the entertainment world buzzing. After CBS pulled the plug on his long-running show in March 2025, citing a shift in network priorities toward younger audiences and streaming platforms, Colbert refused to fade into obscurity. Instead, he has partnered with Representative Jasmine Crockett, the fiery Texas congresswoman known for her unapologetic candor and viral political takedowns, to launch a groundbreaking late-night show on an independent streaming platform. Titled Colbert & Crockett: Unfiltered, the show promises to blend biting satire, fearless political commentary, and raw conversations about race, justice, and culture, potentially redefining the landscape of late-night television.

Colbert’s ouster from CBS came as a shock to fans and industry insiders alike. For nearly a decade, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert had been a cornerstone of late-night programming, known for its incisive political humor and Colbert’s ability to skewer both sides of the aisle while maintaining a progressive edge. However, CBS’s decision to cancel the show was part of a broader restructuring under new network president Amy Reisenbach, who sought to refresh the lineup with cheaper, social media-driven content aimed at Gen Z viewers. Reports surfaced that Colbert’s outspoken criticism of corporate influence in media and his refusal to soften his stance on controversial issues, including the 2024 presidential election and U.S. foreign policy, had created tensions with network executives. A leaked memo, discovered by a junior staffer at CBS’s New York headquarters, revealed plans to replace The Late Show with a reality-based talk show hosted by a TikTok influencer, a move that sparked outrage among Colbert’s loyal audience.

Rather than retreating, Colbert saw the cancellation as an opportunity to break free from the constraints of network television. “CBS wanted safe, predictable content,” he said in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. “I’m done playing it safe. It’s time to shake things up.” Enter Jasmine Crockett, the 44-year-old Democratic congresswoman who rose to national prominence with her electrifying speeches and sharp-witted clapbacks, particularly her viral 2024 House Oversight Committee moment when she called out Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Crockett’s blend of legal expertise, Southern charm, and fearless advocacy for marginalized communities made her an ideal partner for Colbert, who admired her ability to “speak truth to power with a smile.” The duo met during Crockett’s appearance on The Late Show in 2023, where their chemistry was undeniable, sparking speculation about a future collaboration.

Colbert & Crockett: Unfiltered, set to premiere in September 2025 on the streaming platform XStream, is being billed as a late-night revolution. Unlike traditional network shows, the program will air live three nights a week, with episodes available on-demand to subscribers. The format will combine Colbert’s signature monologues and comedic sketches with Crockett’s unfiltered political analysis and interviews with activists, artists, and policymakers. The show’s mission, according to its creators, is to “cut through the noise” of mainstream media, offering a platform for voices often sidelined in late-night television. “We’re not here to coddle anyone,” Crockett said at a press conference announcing the show. “We’re here to tell the truth, make you laugh, and maybe make you a little uncomfortable.” The debut episode will feature guests including climate activist Greta Thunberg and rapper Common, setting the tone for a show that aims to bridge entertainment and activism.

The partnership has already generated significant buzz, with fans on X praising the unlikely pairing. “Colbert’s wit plus Crockett’s fire? This is the show we didn’t know we needed,” one user wrote. However, the venture is not without its challenges. Critics have questioned whether Crockett, still an active congresswoman, can balance her political duties with a demanding media schedule, while others wonder if Colbert’s brand of cerebral humor can compete in a crowded streaming market dominated by short-form content. Some conservative commentators have labeled the show a “woke experiment,” accusing it of pandering to progressive audiences. Yet, Colbert and Crockett remain undeterred, emphasizing their commitment to authenticity. “If you’re looking for milquetoast, this ain’t it,” Crockett quipped, echoing her now-iconic congressional zinger.

Behind the scenes, the show is a testament to Colbert’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. After his CBS exit, he founded his own production company, TruthTeller Media, with backing from private investors and a distribution deal with XStream. The company has already greenlit a documentary series exploring the impact of media consolidation, a project Colbert has hinted will reveal “uncomfortable truths” about his time at CBS. Refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement with the network, Colbert has fueled speculation that he may expose internal pressures to tone down his criticism of figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. “There’s a lot I couldn’t say on network TV,” he told Variety. “Now, I’m free to say it all.”

For Crockett, the show represents a chance to amplify her advocacy on issues like voting rights, criminal justice reform, and economic inequality. As a Black woman in politics, she sees Unfiltered as a platform to challenge stereotypes and center marginalized voices. “Late-night has been a boys’ club for too long,” she said. “I’m here to kick the door down.” Her involvement has drawn comparisons to Jon Stewart’s blending of comedy and activism, with analysts predicting the show could attract a diverse, younger audience disillusioned with traditional media.

The stakes are high for Colbert & Crockett: Unfiltered. If successful, it could redefine late-night television, proving that bold, independent content can thrive outside the network model. Early subscriber numbers for XStream’s platform, which surged by 200,000 after the show’s announcement, suggest a strong appetite for their vision. Yet, the show’s unapologetic tone and willingness to tackle divisive issues like police reform and U.S. foreign policy may alienate some viewers. Colbert, no stranger to controversy after his 2017 Trump monologue sparked FCC complaints, seems ready for the fight. “If we’re not making someone mad, we’re not doing our job,” he said with a grin.

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation is building for what could be a game-changer in late-night TV. Colbert’s comedic genius, honed over years on The Colbert Report and The Late Show, combined with Crockett’s raw authenticity and political insight, promises a show that is as entertaining as it is provocative. Whether it’s skewering corporate greed, unpacking systemic racism, or simply making viewers laugh, Colbert & Crockett: Unfiltered is poised to leave an indelible mark. For Colbert, it’s a triumphant return—a middle finger to the network that tried to sideline him. For Crockett, it’s a chance to redefine what a politician can be. Together, they’re ready to shake up the status quo, one fearless episode at a time.