On July 27, 2025, a rally in New York City organized to support former Late Show host Stephen Colbert drew a mere 20 protesters, underscoring the comedian’s fading relevance after CBS canceled his show. The “We’re With Colbert” event, planned outside CBS headquarters, aimed to protest the network’s decision to end the late-night program in May 2026, following a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes lawsuit. Organizers had anticipated hundreds, but the sparse turnout, mocked as a “ghost town” by onlookers, highlighted a lack of public fervor.
Colbert, once a liberal darling for his sharp anti-Trump commentary, faced declining ratings, with The Late Show averaging 2.8 million viewers in 2024, down 30% from 2017. The settlement, which included Trump’s legal fees and funds for his presidential library, sparked accusations of corporate capitulation, fueling the rally’s intent. Protesters, waving signs like “Save Colbert,” claimed his ousting was politically motivated, tied to Trump’s media crackdowns. Yet, the low attendance—dwarfed by a nearby hot dog vendor’s crowd—suggested limited grassroots support.
Critics argue Colbert’s exit reflects shifting cultural tides, with audiences tiring of polarized late-night monologues. Supporters, however, see it as evidence of Trump’s influence over media, pointing to similar pressures on The View. CBS, now under Skydance Media’s ownership, cited financial pressures and a need to “modernize” programming as reasons for the cancellation. Even police assigned to the rally reportedly left early due to the lackluster turnout.
The flop underscores a broader decline in late-night TV’s cultural clout. As Trump’s policies dominate headlines, the “We’re With Colbert” rally’s failure suggests his critics struggle to mobilize, leaving Colbert’s legacy—and late-night’s future—in question.
