The abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert by CBS, set to conclude in May 2026, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, and Representative Jasmine Crockett’s fiery reaction has amplified the drama. In a post on X that went viral, Crockett declared, “Love you Stephen, but CBS…,” unleashing a scathing critique of the network’s decision to end the top-rated late-night show. Her bold statement, laced with frustration and support for Colbert, has ignited a firestorm, with fans and commentators questioning whether this marks the end of late-night TV as we know it. Amid whispers of political motives tied to CBS’s parent company Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, Crockett’s response has fueled speculation about hidden tensions and the future of the genre.

Crockett, a Democratic congresswoman from Texas known for her outspoken style, didn’t hold back in her X post, which garnered thousands of reposts and comments. “Stephen Colbert’s been speaking truth to power, and CBS pulls the plug? Smells like politics, not money,” she wrote, echoing sentiments shared by fans and figures like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff. The timing of the cancellation—announced days after Colbert called Paramount’s settlement with Trump a “big fat bribe”—has raised eyebrows. Paramount’s pending $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which requires approval from the Trump-led FCC, has led many to suspect the decision was a strategic move to appease political interests. Crockett’s post, with its direct jab at CBS, resonated with those who see the cancellation as a blow to free speech, especially given Colbert’s decade-long run as a sharp critic of Trump.

The congresswoman’s reaction has struck a chord because it taps into broader concerns about late-night TV’s viability. The Late Show, averaging 2.47 million viewers nightly, has been a ratings leader, yet CBS cited financial losses of $40–50 million annually, a claim Colbert mocked on air, joking about the suspiciously round $16 million figure matching the Trump settlement. Crockett’s post amplified this skepticism, with fans on X rallying behind her, one writing, “Jasmine’s right—CBS is caving to pressure. Colbert’s too real for them!” The outcry reflects a fear that late-night, a platform for satire and cultural commentary, is being eroded by corporate and political forces, with shows like After Midnight already canceled and others, like Late Night with Seth Meyers, facing budget cuts.

Behind the scenes, the drama between CBS and Colbert appears multifaceted. While the network insists the decision was “purely financial” due to declining ad revenue—down 50% since 2018, per Guideline—insiders suggest the merger’s optics played a role. Skydance CEO David Ellison’s meeting with FCC chairman Brendan Carr days before the announcement has fueled theories of a quid pro quo. Crockett’s response, calling out CBS’s “shady” timing, has kept these questions alive, with fans and analysts wondering if other hosts like Jimmy Fallon or Jimmy Kimmel could face similar fates. Her words have also drawn support from late-night peers, with Fallon hinting at a potential collaboration with Colbert, suggesting a new venture to keep his voice alive.

Crockett’s explosive post has turned her into a voice for those mourning The Late Show’s end and fearing for late-night’s future. As streaming overtakes traditional TV and younger audiences drift to digital platforms, the genre faces existential challenges. Yet, Colbert’s defiant final season and Crockett’s rallying cry—“We need Stephen’s truth!”—signal a fight to preserve satire’s role in holding power accountable. Whether this marks the death of late-night or a reinvention through new platforms remains unclear, but Crockett’s words have ensured the conversation burns brightly, challenging CBS and sparking hope for comedy’s resilience.