Was axing of Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' part of culture war or ratings decline?

Late night television has been in decline but the host had openly accused the network of political shenanigans

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final show in May 2026. Picture: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via AP

US late-night television had been fighting for its survival even before The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was cancelled on Friday.

The announced end of one of the most popular broadcast late-night shows, days after host Stephen Colbert accused the network owner of bribing US president Donald Trump to approve a merger, drew cries of political foul play from liberal politicians, artists and entertainers.