A small protest took place on Sunday in New York City to support comedian Stephen Colbert, who is set to leave his role as host of "The Late Show" on CBS in May 2026. The turnout was minimal, with only about 20 supporters showing up outside the CBS Broadcast Center on Manhattan’s West Side.
The event was organized by a man named Matt, who goes by the nickname "Slim." He wanted to gather people to express their solidarity with Colbert, claiming that the comedian’s exit was a threat to free speech. “Our country is not perfect, never has been,” Slim stated. “But we’ve always had the First Amendment, and now Mango Mussolini is trying to take that from us.”
Another attendee, who chose to remain anonymous, echoed Slim’s sentiments, calling the situation a "First Amendment attack." Despite their intentions, the protest was short-lived, and even the police present left when it became clear there was little action.
CBS has attributed Colbert’s departure to financial reasons, noting that his show reportedly lost $40 million in the past year. Some observers believe that the political tone of Colbert’s show may have alienated viewers, contributing to its decline in popularity.
Jay Leno, a veteran late-night host, recently commented on this trend, suggesting that many current hosts are losing half their audience by focusing too much on partisan politics. He pointed out that late-night television used to be about entertainment, not lectures. Leno emphasized the importance of appealing to a broad audience rather than alienating any specific group.
As the late-night landscape continues to shift, Colbert’s exit raises questions about the future of comedy on television and the balance between humor and political commentary.
