Tyrus Slams CBS for Canceling ‘The Late Show’: A “Huge Mistake” Shaking Hollywood

On July 24, 2025, at 8:47 PM PDT, Fox News contributor and former professional wrestler Tyrus (George Murdoch) unleashed a scathing critique of CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, calling it a “huge mistake” that could “ruin the show’s legacy and gut the network’s credibility.” In a fiery segment on Gutfeld!, Tyrus’s uncensored remarks have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, amplifying the controversy surrounding the abrupt end of the top-rated late-night program. The cancellation, announced on July 17, 2025, has sparked accusations of political motivations tied to CBS’s parent company Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, and Tyrus’s bold stance has fueled a broader debate about free speech, corporate power, and the future of late-night television.

Tyrus, a frequent voice on Fox News and host of Maintaining with Tyrus on OutKick, didn’t mince words. “CBS just shot themselves in the foot,” he declared. “Colbert’s show was a cultural juggernaut, and axing it over what smells like a political payoff is a betrayal of the audience and the art of comedy.” He argued that the decision, which CBS framed as “purely financial” due to the show’s $40-$50 million annual losses, was a thinly veiled attempt to appease President Donald Trump’s administration. The timing—three days after Colbert called Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump over a 60 Minutes interview edit a “big fat bribe”—has raised eyebrows, with Tyrus asserting, “You don’t cancel the number-one late-night show because of money when it’s still pulling 2.4 million viewers a night. This is about control.”

The settlement, tied to Trump’s future presidential library, coincided with Paramount’s need for FCC approval for its Skydance merger, led by David Ellison, son of Trump ally Larry Ellison. Tyrus pointed to this connection, saying, “They’re trading free speech for a corporate handshake. It’s disgusting.” His comments echo sentiments from Democratic lawmakers like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff, who demanded transparency, with Warren tweeting, “CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after he called out Paramount’s deal with Trump—a deal that looks like bribery.” Tyrus, however, brought a populist edge, warning that CBS risks alienating viewers who value satire as a check on power. “Colbert wasn’t just funny; he was a truth-teller. You don’t kill that because of a merger,” he said.

Hollywood is reeling from the fallout. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the cancellation stunned CBS staff, with insiders describing a “painful” atmosphere at the Ed Sullivan Theater, where Colbert announced the news to a booing audience. Tyrus’s remarks have amplified the narrative of corporate capitulation, with X users like @MediaRebel22 posting, “Tyrus is right—CBS is selling out to Trump’s cronies. #SaveColbert.” The hashtag #BoycottCBS trended alongside #TyrusSpeaks, reflecting a polarized response. While some, like @PatriotVoiceUSA, cheered Tyrus’s defense of “free expression,” others, like @TVFanatic77, argued, “Colbert’s show was losing money. Tyrus is just stirring drama.” The controversy has drawn support from late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers, who expressed “disgust” at CBS’s decision, with Kimmel tweeting, “This is a dark day for comedy.”

Tyrus’s critique also highlighted the broader decline of late-night TV, a point echoed by The Washington Post. With ad revenue for late-night shows dropping from $439 million in 2018 to $220 million in 2024, the genre faces an existential crisis. Tyrus argued that CBS could have innovated, citing YouTube shows like Hot Ones as proof that “comedy doesn’t need a network to thrive.” He suggested Colbert could pivot to digital platforms, saying, “Stephen’s too talented to be silenced. He’ll find a way, but CBS just torched their own legacy.” The New York Times agreed, noting that cancellation might free Colbert to explore new formats, as Conan O’Brien did post-NBC.

The Writers Guild of America has called for a New York state investigation, alleging the cancellation is a “bribe” to secure Trump’s favor for the merger, a sentiment Tyrus echoed: “This isn’t just about Colbert—it’s about every comedian who dares speak truth.” CNN reported that CBS explored cost-cutting options, like replacing The Late Late Show with the cheaper After Midnight, but the swiftness of Colbert’s axing suggests external pressures. Tyrus warned, “If CBS thinks this won’t haunt them, they’re delusional. Fans don’t forgive betrayal.”

The public’s reaction, fueled by Tyrus’s comments, has intensified scrutiny of Paramount. Protests outside the Ed Sullivan Theater and a Change.org petition to reverse the decision have gained traction, with Tyrus urging fans to “vote with their remotes.” Trump, meanwhile, celebrated on Truth Social, writing, “Colbert got fired. His talent was less than his ratings.” Tyrus retorted on Gutfeld!, “Trump’s gloating proves the point—this was personal, not business.” As Hollywood grapples with this seismic shift, Tyrus’s voice has become a lightning rod, signaling that the fight for late-night’s soul is far from over.