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Paul Shaffer Calls CBS's Late Show Cancellation 'Shocking'

9/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Paul Shaffer reacted with shock to CBS's cancellation of The Late Show, calling it "absolutely shocking."
He praised Stephen Colbert as "absolutely number one," suggesting the show's end may indicate late-night television's decline.
CBS plans to retire the franchise in May 2026, citing financial reasons rather than performance issues.
Critics linked the cancellation to Colbert's criticism of Paramount Global.
Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Stewart condemned the decision as "gutless" and "f---ing wrong."
Bob Odenkirk remains optimistic about Colbert's future content creation.

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Story summary

Paul Shaffer reacted with shock to CBS's cancellation of The Late Show, calling it "absolutely shocking."
He praised Stephen Colbert as "absolutely number one," suggesting the show's end may indicate late-night television's decline.
CBS plans to retire the franchise in May 2026, citing financial reasons rather than performance issues.
Critics linked the cancellation to Colbert's criticism of Paramount Global.
Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Stewart condemned the decision as "gutless" and "f---ing wrong."
Bob Odenkirk remains optimistic about Colbert's future content creation.