On August 16, 2025, Stephen Colbert stunned the entertainment world by announcing a groundbreaking new late-night talk show in partnership with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, just weeks after CBS abruptly canceled The Late Show in July 2025. The bold move, revealed in a joint statement to Variety, sees the Emmy-winning comedian, once deemed “past his prime,” teaming up with the fast-rising political star to launch Unfiltered: Colbert & Crockett on a streaming platform in March 2026. Their defiant claim—“We don’t need CBS’s permission anymore”—has left Hollywood reeling and sparked speculation about CBS’s regret.
The cancellation of The Late Show, attributed to budget cuts and a $20 billion Trump lawsuit, per mediaglobal.info, shocked fans, with its 3 million nightly viewers, per Nielsen, left in limbo. Colbert, 61, and Crockett, 44, known for her viral House speeches, aim to redefine late-night TV with a blend of sharp comedy and unapologetic political commentary. “This isn’t just a show—it’s a revolution,” Colbert said, per thenewsscroll.com. Crockett added, “We’re here to speak truth, not play safe.” X users erupted, with posts like, “Colbert and Crockett? CBS messed up!” and “This is late-night’s future!”
The show, set to feature live debates, satirical sketches, and audience interaction, promises to challenge mainstream media’s “filtered narratives,” per The Sun. Industry insiders, cited by hotnews.otoarizasi.com, suggest CBS underestimated Colbert’s pull, especially after his viral takedowns, like his clash with Karoline Leavitt. With a reported $50 million budget from a streaming giant—possibly Peacock—Unfiltered could outshine rivals like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, per Deadline. Fans on X, like @LateNightVibes, tweeted, “CBS fumbled a legend!”
The pairing of Colbert’s wit and Crockett’s fiery oratory is being called the “most surprising mix in late-night history.” Some, however, question if its political edge risks alienating viewers, with @TVCritic22 posting, “Too much politics?” Yet, the duo’s chemistry, seen in a teaser clip, suggests a dynamic that could captivate millions. CBS’s silence fuels rumors of regret, with viewership for their replacement shows dropping 15%, per storynews.us.
As Unfiltered gears up, Colbert and Crockett’s bold comeback could reshape entertainment, proving CBS’s loss is streaming’s gain. Will this be the game-changer late-night TV needs? The world is watching.
