Poll: Americans Doubt Paramount's Decision to Cancel 'The Late Show' Over Politics

Public Reaction to the Cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show

A recent survey by Yahoo and YouGov reveals that more Americans disapprove (40%) of Paramount’s decision to cancel CBS's long-running late-night program, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, than approve (33%). The poll, conducted from July 24 to July 28, 2025, captured public sentiment in the wake of the announcement, which coincided with a major development in the media industry.

Paramount has stated that the cancellation was driven purely by financial considerations and not related to the show’s performance, content, or other internal matters. However, many Americans believe that political motivations played a significant role in the decision. The survey found that a larger percentage of respondents selected “Paramount is trying to curry favor with the Trump administration” (37%) and “Stephen Colbert is too critical of Donald Trump” (36%) as reasons for the cancellation compared to more traditional financial explanations like the show losing money (32%) or viewership (30%).

This perception is fueled by several factors. Stephen Colbert, known for his sharp critiques of former President Donald Trump, has been a vocal critic of the administration. Meanwhile, Paramount faced scrutiny after settling a lawsuit with Trump over an edited interview on 60 Minutes. The company agreed to pay $16 million to Trump’s future presidential library, despite legal experts suggesting the case was frivolous. Colbert himself mocked the settlement on air, calling it a “big fat bribe.”

Colbert, who will continue hosting the show until its final broadcast next May, expressed his frustration with the company’s actions. He said he felt offended by the decision and questioned whether trust in the network could ever be restored. “But just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help,” he added.

Political Divides and Public Perception

The response to the cancellation reflects deep political divides. A majority of Americans (53%) view Colbert as liberal, while only 10% see him as moderate and 3% as conservative. This ideological lens shapes opinions on the decision. Democrats (72%) are significantly more likely to disapprove of the cancellation than Republicans (12%).

Despite these divisions, there is no clear consensus on whether Colbert has taken his criticism too far. More Americans (35%) believe he is “about right” politically than those who think he is “too political” (28%). Additionally, a majority (46%) support late-night talk show hosts engaging in politics by speaking out on current issues, while 31% oppose such involvement.

Viewer Habits and Popularity

Even with the controversy, Colbert remains a popular figure among late-night audiences. A significant portion of Americans watch his content, either “always” (5%), “occasionally” (21%), or when they “see clips online” (27%). However, nearly half (47%) say they never watch his show.

When asked to name their favorite late-night talk show hosts, Colbert ties with Jimmy Fallon at 25%, making them the most favored by the public. Other hosts like Jimmy Kimmel (22%), Jon Stewart (19%), and John Oliver (11%) follow closely behind. Seth Meyers, Bill Maher, Andy Cohen, and Taylor Tomlinson trail with lower percentages.

Methodology of the Survey

The Yahoo/YouGov poll involved 1,729 U.S. adults surveyed online between July 24 and 28, 2025. The sample was weighted to reflect demographic diversity, including gender, age, race, education, and voting behavior. It aimed to represent all U.S. adults and had a margin of error of approximately 3.1%. The data provides a snapshot of public opinion during a period of significant change in the media landscape.