FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Fires Back at Left-Wing Critics Over Stephen Colbert’s Show Cancellation

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has responded to the outcry over CBS canceling “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” calling the partisan left’s reaction “ritualist wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Carr’s comments come after CBS announced the show’s cancellation, citing financial reasons, with the final episode airing in May 2026. Progressive politicians, journalists, and celebrities have slammed the decision, with some accusing CBS of canceling the show for political reasons.

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have questioned the timing of the cancellation, which came shortly after Colbert criticized CBS’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview edit. Colbert had called the settlement a “big fat bribe” on his show. CBS maintains the cancellation was purely financial, citing the show’s $40 million annual revenue loss. However, Jon Stewart, Colbert’s former Comedy Central colleague, has cast doubt on this explanation.

The cancellation has sparked a heated debate, with Trump himself weighing in, saying, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.” Colbert fired back at Trump, telling him to “go f*** yourself.” Carr responded to Colbert’s outburst, saying, “I’m surprised to learn that CBS didn’t find this stuff profitable.” The controversy surrounding the cancellation highlights the complex and often contentious world of late-night television.