Canceling “The Late Show” is bad news for TV, not for Colbert
Our critic writes that Stephen Colbert is likely to thrive, but late-night TV may not.
From The Times
July 21, 2025

The cancellation of “The Late Show” may end up being the best thing that ever happened to Stephen Colbert, our critic writes.

A smiling man in a blue suit and tie over a white shirt gestures down at the camera. Behind him is a desk with a log that reads “Late Show.”

Scott Kowalchyk/CBS

The same cannot be said for its impact on late-night television.

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