Jon Stewart delivered a monologue filled with strong language on “The Daily Show” on Monday, targeting CBS and Paramount Global after the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” This uncensored segment aired on July 21, 2025, and concluded with Stewart leading a choir in a bold message to media companies.
The host of The Daily Show began by reflecting on his past with Colbert, highlighting their six years together on the show prior to Colbert’s launch of “The Colbert Report” in 2005 and his takeover of CBS’ “Late Show” in 2015. Stewart commended Colbert’s achievements, emphasizing the show’s top position in late-night television.
Stewart questioned the financial reasoning CBS provided for the show’s cancellation. He pointed to Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, valued at approximately $8.8 billion, which awaits FCC approval. Stewart speculated that the cancellation might be linked to attempts to appease President Donald Trump, especially after Paramount settled a $17.6 million defamation lawsuit with Trump regarding a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris.
Stewart acknowledged the financial hurdles faced by late-night television, likening the industry to outdated video rental stores. Nonetheless, he argued that shows like Colbert’s have significantly contributed to the current valuation of Paramount, which they now seek to maintain through cancellations and censorship.
The comedian expressed his view that the cancellation stemmed from fear and a tendency toward compliance within American institutions. He suggested that corporations aim to remain unobtrusive to avoid clashes with Trump’s administration, yet he cautioned that this strategy might not keep them out of Trump’s focus.
Stewart cited Trump’s recent lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News, as evidence that even supportive media outlets are not immune to presidential dissatisfaction. He noted that despite Fox News’ extensive coverage of Trump, the president still pursued legal action against Murdoch.
During the segment, Stewart declared his refusal to succumb to corporate pressure. “I’m not giving in, I’m not going anywhere,” he stated, though he acknowledged uncertainty about his show’s future under new ownership.
Last week, CBS announced the conclusion of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” after the current season, attributing the decision to financial considerations unrelated to performance or content. The network emphasized Colbert’s irreplaceability and opted to retire the “Late Show” franchise rather than seek a new host.
Industry analysts have expressed skepticism over the financial explanation, particularly given the show’s status as the leading network late-night franchise for over 30 years. The timing of the cancellation, following Colbert’s critique of Paramount’s settlement with Trump, has led to speculation about political motives.
Stewart and Colbert have maintained a strong professional and personal relationship, with Stewart serving as an executive producer on “The Late Show.” They share the same manager, James “Baby Doll” Dixon, who also acts as an executive producer on both shows. Their collaboration dates back to 1997 when Colbert joined “The Daily Show” as a correspondent.
The uncertainty in late-night programming extends beyond Colbert’s show. Stewart previously expressed concerns about “The Daily Show’s” future under Skydance ownership during a podcast on July 17. He noted that new ownership led by David Ellison might consider selling Comedy Central, though he acknowledged the network’s reliance on “The Daily Show” and “South Park” for its lineup.
Despite changes, Comedy Central announced that Josh Johnson joined the rotating host lineup for “The Daily Show.” Johnson, a writer on the show since 2017, co-hosted the July 22 episode with Ronny Chieng, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Desi Lydic, while Stewart maintains his Monday-only hosting schedule.