The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has sent shockwaves through the television industry, but perhaps the most surprising reaction has come from within CBS itself. Tony Dokoupil, co-host of CBS Mornings, has sparked controversy with his blunt and unsympathetic remarks about his colleague Stephen Colbert’s ouster, revealing a rare public rift within the network. His comments, made during a heated segment on CBS Mornings, have ignited a firestorm online, with some viewers applauding his candor and others slamming him for betraying a coworker. As the dust settles, Dokoupil’s stance has raised questions about internal dynamics at CBS and the broader challenges facing late-night television.

A Cancellation That Shook the Industry

On July 17, 2025, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would conclude in May 2026, ending a storied run that began in 2015. The network cited financial pressures, noting that the show’s $40 million annual production costs were unsustainable in the current media landscape. George Cheeks, CBS’s CEO, described the decision as “purely financial” against a “challenging backdrop in late night.” However, the timing—coming just days after Colbert criticized a $16 million settlement between CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, and President Donald Trump over a 2024 60 Minutes interview—fueled speculation of political motives.

The announcement triggered an outpouring of support for Colbert from fans, fellow late-night hosts, and even political figures. Jon Stewart, in a fiery monologue on The Daily Show, accused Paramount of caving to “corporate fear” tied to its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. But while many rallied around Colbert, one voice stood out for its stark contrast: Tony Dokoupil.

Dokoupil’s Unflinching Critique

During the July 22, 2025, episode of CBS Mornings, Dokoupil broke ranks with his co-hosts, Gayle King and Vladimir Duthiers, in a tense discussion about the cancellation. While King and Duthiers expressed sadness over the loss of The Late Show and its cultural significance, Dokoupil took a different tack, pinning the show’s demise on its “one-sided” commentary. “The business changed, and so did the politics,” Dokoupil said, visibly exasperated. “It got way more one-sided than anything Johnny Carson was ever doing. I think we should reflect on those changes.”

Dokoupil dismissed Stewart’s claim that the cancellation was tied to Paramount’s merger, arguing that an $8 billion deal wouldn’t hinge on “reruns of a comedy show.” He doubled down, stating, “People are buying the movies, the sitcoms, the sports—not late-night shows that lean so heavily into one perspective.” His remarks suggested that Colbert’s outspoken liberal commentary, particularly his jabs at Trump and corporate interests, may have alienated viewers and contributed to the show’s financial woes.

The segment quickly turned awkward, with King interjecting to defend Colbert’s contributions to CBS’s brand and Duthiers emphasizing the cultural value of late-night television. Dokoupil’s audible sigh and unyielding stance left viewers stunned, with many taking to social media to express their shock. “Dang, even his own network knows how awful his show was,” one X user posted, echoing a sentiment that gained traction among critics of Colbert’s tenure.

A Network Divided

Dokoupil’s comments have exposed a rare public fracture within CBS, a network known for maintaining a united front. Sources close to CBS Mornings describe an “uncomfortable” atmosphere following the broadcast, with some staffers feeling Dokoupil crossed a line by publicly criticizing a colleague. “Tony’s entitled to his opinion, but airing it like that felt like a betrayal,” one anonymous producer told totalnews.com. Others, however, praised Dokoupil for his honesty, arguing that his willingness to challenge the narrative around Colbert’s cancellation reflects a broader shift in how networks view late-night programming.

The divide reflects deeper tensions within CBS as it navigates a rapidly changing media landscape. With traditional television viewership declining and competitors like Fox News Channel’s Gutfeld! surpassing The Late Show in key demographic ratings, CBS is under pressure to adapt. Dokoupil’s remarks align with a growing sentiment that the overtly political tone of late-night shows, including Colbert’s, may no longer resonate with a broad audience. “The business is broken,” Dokoupil said on air, pointing to the economic realities driving cancellations across the industry.

Fan Backlash and Support

Dokoupil’s comments have divided viewers. On X, the hashtag #TonyVsColbert trended briefly, with some users praising his “brave” take on an industry taboo. “Finally, someone at CBS said what we’re all thinking—Colbert’s show was preaching, not entertaining,” one user wrote. Others, however, accused Dokoupil of disloyalty. “Throwing Stephen under the bus on live TV? Classless move, Tony,” another posted. The backlash has been particularly fierce among Colbert’s loyal fanbase, who see Dokoupil’s remarks as a betrayal of a network icon.

Adding fuel to the fire, some fans have pointed to Dokoupil’s history of taking contrarian stances, including his defense of CBS’s decision to settle with Trump. This has led to accusations that Dokoupil is aligning himself with corporate interests over journalistic integrity. “He’s playing to the suits, not the audience,” one critic tweeted. Yet supporters argue that Dokoupil is simply acknowledging the reality of a fractured media landscape, where polarized content struggles to maintain the mass appeal of past late-night giants like Johnny Carson.

The Bigger Picture: Late-Night’s Uncertain Future

Dokoupil’s lack of sympathy for Colbert underscores a broader crisis in late-night television. Once a cornerstone of American culture, the genre is grappling with declining viewership, high production costs, and a shift toward streaming platforms. CBS’s decision to end The Late Show follows a pattern of cuts across the industry, with networks reevaluating the viability of expensive, personality-driven shows. The rise of Gutfeld!, which blends humor with conservative commentary, highlights a demand for alternative voices that challenge the liberal leanings of traditional late-night hosts like Colbert.

Colbert, for his part, has remained gracious in public, thanking his staff and fans in a heartfelt statement on The Late Show. “It’s been an honor to carry this torch, and I’m proud of what we’ve built,” he said, adding that the show would not continue with a new host. Behind the scenes, however, sources say Colbert was blindsided by the cancellation and deeply hurt by Dokoupil’s remarks. “Stephen’s not the type to hold grudges, but this stung,” a close associate told thenewsscroll.com.

A Chilling Effect?

Dokoupil’s willingness to publicly criticize a colleague has raised eyebrows about CBS’s internal culture. Industry analysts warn that his comments could have a chilling effect on other hosts and creators, signaling that networks may prioritize financial pragmatism over creative freedom. “When someone like Tony calls out a legend like Colbert on air, it sends a message: toe the line or face the consequences,” a veteran producer told dailywire.com.

For now, Dokoupil appears unfazed by the backlash. In a follow-up segment on CBS Mornings on July 23, he reiterated his belief that the industry must adapt to changing viewer habits and economic realities. “I feel for the staff, but we can’t pretend the model isn’t broken,” he said, stopping short of mentioning Colbert directly.

What’s Next for CBS and Colbert?

As The Late Show prepares to wrap its final season, CBS faces tough questions about its late-night legacy. The network has not announced plans for the time slot, leaving open the possibility of a new format or a shift away from traditional programming. Meanwhile, speculation swirls about Colbert’s next move, with some suggesting he could join forces with Jon Stewart for a new project outside the network system, as reported by trendglobal.info. Such a move could further disrupt the industry, especially if it challenges the corporate constraints that led to Stewart’s own cancellation at Apple TV+.

For Dokoupil, the controversy has cemented his reputation as a polarizing figure willing to speak his mind, even at the risk of alienating colleagues and viewers. Whether his stance reflects genuine conviction or a calculated bid for relevance, it has undeniably shifted the conversation around The Late Show’s end. What began as a financial decision has become a flashpoint for debates about loyalty, politics, and the future of television itself.

In a media landscape where every word is scrutinized, Dokoupil’s lack of sympathy for Colbert has done more than ruffle feathers—it’s exposed the fault lines within CBS and the industry at large. As one X user put it, “Tony just lit a match in a room full of dynamite.” The question now is how big the explosion will be.

Share your thoughts on this CBS drama—did Dokoupil go too far, or is he just telling it like it is?