The rumor mill is churning, and this time, it’s targeting Stephen Colbert, the beloved host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Following CBS’s shocking announcement in July 2025 that the iconic late-night show would end in May 2026, speculation about Colbert’s next move has exploded. One claim, in particular, has taken social media by storm: Is Stephen Colbert packing his bags for CNN? With whispers of a potential partnership with Rachel Maddow and accusations of political motives swirling, fans are desperate for answers. Let’s dive into the facts, debunk the myths, and uncover what’s really going on with Colbert’s future.

The Spark: CBS Cancels The Late Show

On July 17, 2025, CBS dropped a bombshell: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a staple of late-night television for over three decades, would conclude in May 2026. The network cited “structural budget realignment” and “financial efficiency” as the reasons, emphasizing that the decision was purely financial and unrelated to the show’s ratings, content, or Colbert’s performance. Despite its consistent lead as the highest-rated late-night talk show for nine consecutive seasons, The Late Show reportedly faced financial challenges, with losses estimated between $40 million and $50 million annually, partly due to its hefty $100 million budget and declining ad revenue in a shifting media landscape.

The timing of the announcement raised eyebrows. Just days before, Colbert had sharply criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with former President Donald Trump, calling it a “big fat bribe” on air. This led to speculation that the cancellation was politically motivated, especially given Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, which requires approval from federal regulators under the Trump administration. Democratic senators like Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff publicly questioned whether the decision was tied to political pressure, with Warren stating, “America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.”

The Rumor: Colbert to CNN?

Almost immediately after the cancellation news, a viral Facebook post claimed that Colbert was “joining CNN once his contract ends,” alleging behind-the-scenes turmoil at CBS involving “corruption, secret payoffs, and an escalating power struggle.” The post, which garnered over 125,000 reactions, 18,000 comments, and 10,000 shares, sparked widespread speculation. Some versions of the rumor even suggested Colbert would team up with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow for a bold new show aimed at “holding corrupt politicians accountable.”

The idea of Colbert moving to CNN isn’t entirely far-fetched on the surface. Both Colbert and Maddow are known for their sharp political commentary and progressive leanings, making a potential collaboration appealing to left-leaning audiences. CNN, facing its own challenges with declining viewership and planned layoffs of 200 jobs in 2025, could benefit from a high-profile addition like Colbert to bolster its programming. Additionally, past rumors in 2022 linked Colbert to CNN when then-president Chris Licht, a former Late Show executive producer, was reportedly interested in recruiting him.

But here’s the catch: there’s no credible evidence to support the claim. No reputable news outlet, including CNN, has reported any negotiations or plans for Colbert to join the network. Colbert himself has not addressed the rumor on his active social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook, as he stopped posting on X in 2023). MSNBC has also formally denied any talks involving Maddow. The viral Facebook post linked to a clickbait website filled with ads and no substantive details, and its caption was flagged as likely AI-generated by two detection tools.

Why the Rumor Took Off

The rapid spread of the CNN rumor highlights the power of modern misinformation. Social media platforms amplify sensational claims, especially when they tap into existing narratives. In this case, the cancellation of The Late Show—a cultural institution—combined with Colbert’s outspoken criticism of Trump and Paramount, created fertile ground for speculation. The timing, just three days after his “bribe” comment, fueled conspiracy theories, with some fans and commentators suggesting CBS was bowing to political pressure from the Trump administration.

Posts on X further amplified the narrative. One user claimed a “massive sea of protesters” showed up at CBS headquarters after Colbert allegedly accused the network of firing him over his Trump criticism, though no evidence supports such a protest. Another post from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, criticizing Colbert’s relevance with the quip, “It’s clear that Colbert doesn’t have it anymore,” added fuel to the political angle, though it didn’t confirm the CNN rumor. These posts, while influential, lack credible sourcing and reflect the polarized sentiment surrounding Colbert’s exit.

The rumor also gained traction due to the broader context of late-night television’s struggles. With declining viewership, rising production costs, and a shift toward streaming and digital platforms, networks like CBS are reevaluating expensive shows like The Late Show. The cancellation of The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2023 and its replacement with the cheaper After Midnight (where Colbert is an executive producer) set a precedent for cost-cutting measures. Fans, eager for a “Colbert rises from the ashes” storyline, latched onto the CNN rumor as a hopeful narrative.

Colbert’s Response and Industry Support

Colbert addressed the cancellation with his signature humor during his first post-announcement episode on July 21, 2025, joking, “Folks, I’m going to go ahead and say it: Cancel culture has gone too far.” He expressed gratitude to CBS, calling them “great partners” and praising the “Tiffany Network” for giving him the Ed Sullivan Theater. However, he subtly referenced the financial and political controversies, quipping about the reported $40 million losses and Paramount’s $16 million Trump settlement: “Forty million’s a big number. I could see us losing $24 million, but where would Paramount have possibly spent the other $16 million… oh, yeah.”

The late-night community rallied around Colbert. Jon Stewart, who mentored Colbert on The Daily Show and serves as an executive producer on The Late Show, called the cancellation “terrible news for comedy” and questioned whether it was purely financial or influenced by Paramount’s merger strategy. Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver showed solidarity, with Kimmel slamming CBS on Instagram: “Love you Stephen. F**k you and all your Sheldons, CBS.” David Letterman, Colbert’s predecessor, posted a montage of his own CBS roasts, captioning it, “You can’t spell CBS without BS.”

The Bigger Picture: Late-Night and Free Speech

The cancellation and subsequent rumors raise broader questions about the future of late-night television and political satire. Colbert’s sharp-edged humor, especially his criticism of Trump, has made him a lightning rod for controversy. Some conservative voices, including Trump himself, celebrated the cancellation, with the former president posting on Truth Social, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” This has led to concerns about whether corporate pressures, particularly in the context of Paramount’s merger, are stifling free speech.

Industry experts like Bill Carter, a veteran late-night commentator, warned that the cancellation could signal a “dark turn” for political satire if networks bow to political or corporate pressures. However, CBS insists the decision was driven by economics, not politics, pointing to the show’s unprofitability and the challenges of monetizing topical content on streaming platforms.

What’s Next for Colbert?

As of August 5, 2025, Colbert has not announced his next move, and no credible sources confirm a deal with CNN or any other network. Some speculate he could pivot to streaming, given his success with viral content and his experience as an executive producer on After Midnight. Others suggest a return to Comedy Central or a new project entirely, but these remain unconfirmed theories.

Colbert’s history of resilience suggests he’s far from done. From his breakout on The Daily Show to transforming The Colbert Report into a cultural phenomenon, he’s consistently reinvented himself. His ability to blend humor with incisive commentary makes him a valuable asset, whether on network TV, cable, or digital platforms. For now, fans can catch him on The Late Show until May 2026, delivering monologues and interviews with the same wit that’s defined his career.

Conclusion: A Rumor Without Roots

The claim that Stephen Colbert is moving to CNN is a classic case of misinformation gone viral. Fueled by a sensational Facebook post, amplified by social media, and stoked by the controversial timing of The Late Show’s cancellation, the rumor lacks any credible evidence. While the idea of Colbert joining forces with CNN or Rachel Maddow is tantalizing, it’s purely speculative. As Colbert navigates the end of his CBS era, his next chapter remains unwritten—but one thing’s certain: he’ll handle it with humor, grace, and maybe a few well-placed jabs.