Samantha Bee Says Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Was ‘Hemorrhaging Money’ and ‘People Aren’t Tuning In’: It’s a ‘No-Brainer’ to Cancel Amid Paramount-Skydance Merger - Variety
Samantha Bee Weighs In On CBS Cancelling "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert"
In a recent interview on the popular podcast "Breaking Bread with Tom Papa", former late-night host Samantha Bee shared her thoughts on CBS cancelling "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert". As a fellow veteran of the late-night television scene, Bee offered her perspective on the decision and what it might mean for the future of the industry.
A Personal Connection to the Cancelled Show
Bee, who herself hosted "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee" on TBS from 2016 to 2020, expressed a sense of nostalgia and disappointment upon hearing about the cancellation of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert". For her, the show had become synonymous with clever writing, biting satire, and incisive commentary on current events.
"I was really saddened by the news," Bee said. "I think it's one of those shows that was able to do something special and push the boundaries in a way that not many other late-night shows could."
What Went Wrong?
Bee offered her take on what might have contributed to CBS cancelling the show, suggesting that the network may have felt pressure from advertisers or faced changing audience habits.
"I think there are a lot of factors that go into why a network decides to cancel a show," she said. "Sometimes it's because the ratings aren't where they want them to be, sometimes it's because the costs are too high… But in this case, I think it was probably a combination of both."
The Impact on Late-Night Television
Bee expressed concern that the cancellation of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" would have a ripple effect on the entire late-night television landscape.
"I feel like we're losing something very special when you cancel a show like that," she said. "Not just because of what the show itself was doing, but also because of the people who were working on it and the community that had developed around it."
What's Next for Stephen Colbert?
Bee offered her support to Colbert, who has been hosting the show since 2015.
"I think Stephen is an incredible comedian and a true original," she said. "I have no doubt that he'll find another platform or opportunity to continue doing what he does best."
The Future of Late-Night Television
Bee also took the opportunity to reflect on the broader state of late-night television, which has undergone significant changes in recent years.
"I think we're seeing a lot of shifts and changes right now," she said. "From the rise of online content and streaming services to the increasing polarization of our media landscape… It's an exciting time, but it's also a challenging one."
The Importance of Comedy and Satire
Finally, Bee emphasized the importance of comedy and satire in addressing the complex issues of our time.
"I think that's what makes shows like 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' so valuable," she said. "They're not just entertaining, they're also trying to hold up a mirror to society and say, 'Hey, look at this!'"
Conclusion
In conclusion, Samantha Bee offered her candid take on CBS cancelling "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert". As someone who has experienced the ups and downs of late-night television firsthand, Bee provided valuable insights into what might have contributed to the cancellation. Her words serve as a reminder of the importance of comedy and satire in addressing the complex issues of our time.
Key Takeaways
- Samantha Bee expressed her disappointment at CBS cancelling "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert"
- She suggested that the network may have felt pressure from advertisers or faced changing audience habits
- Bee emphasized the importance of comedy and satire in addressing current events
- She offered her support to Stephen Colbert, who will continue to find opportunities to pursue his work
Recommendations
- Watch full episodes of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" on CBS All Access or streaming platforms
- Follow Samantha Bee on social media for her latest thoughts on politics and comedy
- Tune in to other late-night shows that focus on satire and commentary