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On Thursday CBS announced that “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” will end in May.Credit…Scott Kowalchyk/CBS
To the Editor:
Re “CBS Canceling ‘Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ After Next Season” (news article, nytimes.com, July 17):
In 1969, CBS canceled the top-rated variety series “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” While the network claimed that it was because of a contractual issue, most Americans saw it as a response to the show’s criticism of the Vietnam War.
In 1982, amid controversy over the actor Ed Asner’s political activism, particularly his criticism of President Ronald Reagan’s policies in El Salvador, CBS canceled Mr. Asner’s show “Lou Grant.” The network cited a declining ratings as a reason.
Now CBS has canceled Stephen Colbert. Anyone who buys the financial reasons for that move is naïve.
Paul Park
Ottawa
To the Editor:
We all saw the handwriting on the wall — as I see it, CBS caved to President Trump and so Stephen Colbert would have to go. Yes, it was a financial decision — money over democratic values — but the price will ultimately be devastating. Protest in its most potent form, satire, will not be tolerated by a man who has no sense of humor and who has vowed to destroy anyone who disagrees with him.
It is heartbreaking and more significant than the loss of one late-night host. President Trump is systematically putting out the lights of freedom in America, beginning with freedom of expression.
Susan Shelton
Falmouth, Mass.
To the Editor:
The end of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” marks a poignant moment not only for American viewers but also for audiences worldwide. Here in Canada, we were fortunate to enjoy the program on major networks, with many of us eagerly tuning in for its distinctive blend of political satire and lighthearted comedy. As Mr. Colbert noted after the announcement, the show was the daily creation of a dedicated team of more than 200 people.
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