Jon Batiste Speaks Out on CBS’ Decision to End The Late Show With Stephen Colbert: “A Symptom of Big Money”

When CBS confirmed that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will conclude its run in 2026, the news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The late-night staple, which has dominated ratings and shaped political and cultural conversations for over a decade, will leave a void in American television that few shows could ever hope to fill. Among those responding to the announcement was Jon Batiste, the Grammy-winning musician, Oscar-winning composer, and former bandleader of The Late Show.

In a candid interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Batiste described the decision as “a symptom of big money,” warning that corporate priorities are increasingly overshadowing creativity, free speech, and authentic cultural exchange. His comments shed light not only on the end of a defining era in late-night television but also on the broader challenges facing media in an age of consolidation and profit-driven decision-making.

The End of an Era

Since its debut in September 2015, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert has been a cultural force. Colbert, who succeeded David Letterman, quickly made the program a hub of political satire, sharp commentary, and viral interviews. In the Trump years especially, The Late Show became essential late-night viewing, with Colbert’s monologues regularly setting the tone for national conversations.

The show’s blend of comedy, music, and political insight was amplified by Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band that provided more than just music—they provided soul, energy, and a sense of community. Batiste’s charisma and artistry elevated the show, making him a beloved figure not only to audiences but also to the guests who graced the stage.

Yet, CBS’ recent decision to end the program in 2026 signals a shift in priorities. Rather than building on Colbert’s legacy, the network appears to be looking toward new formats and more cost-effective programming.

Jon Batiste’s Reaction: “It’s About More Than Just a Show”

Batiste, who left the program in 2022 to focus on his solo career and personal projects, did not mince words when asked about CBS’ announcement.

“This isn’t just about ending a TV show,” he said. “It’s a symptom of big money dictating what voices get heard and what platforms continue to exist. When decisions like this are made purely for financial reasons, we risk losing spaces where free speech and creativity thrive.”

For Batiste, the cancellation is emblematic of a troubling trend. Media companies, increasingly driven by mergers, shareholder demands, and streaming wars, often make decisions that prioritize quarterly profits over cultural impact. The result, he argued, is a narrowing of the public sphere.

“Late-night television has always been a space where artists, comedians, and thinkers could express themselves in ways that weren’t always possible on other platforms,” he continued. “If we lose that, we lose an important piece of our democracy.”

The Larger Context: A Shifting Media Landscape

Batiste’s comments tap into a larger debate about the future of media. Traditional late-night programming, once a cornerstone of American entertainment, faces growing challenges from digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services. Younger audiences are consuming content in shorter, more fragmented bursts, often bypassing traditional television altogether.

Networks, in turn, have been reevaluating their investments. Shows that cost tens of millions of dollars annually to produce are harder to justify when advertising revenue continues to decline. Even a ratings leader like Colbert is not immune to this new reality.

But critics argue that reducing everything to numbers overlooks the intangible value of programs like The Late Show. These shows shape political discourse, elevate artists, and serve as cultural touchstones. They represent more than just ratings—they represent a shared experience.

Batiste’s Broader Concerns: The Corporate Grip on Culture

Beyond lamenting the loss of The Late Show, Batiste used the opportunity to highlight a broader concern: the growing concentration of media ownership.

“Too much of our culture is controlled by a handful of corporations,” he said. “When they decide something doesn’t fit the bottom line, it disappears. That’s not just entertainment—it’s voices, ideas, perspectives being silenced.”

His critique resonates with recent developments across the industry. In recent years, cost-cutting has led to the cancellation of critically acclaimed series, layoffs of newsroom staff, and shrinking budgets for original programming. Artists and creatives often find themselves sidelined, while executives focus on quarterly earnings calls.

For Batiste, this shift is dangerous. “Art and free expression don’t always turn a profit immediately,” he said. “But they sustain us as a society. They challenge us, they heal us, they remind us of our shared humanity. If we let those things get swallowed by corporate greed, we lose something essential.”

A Legacy Worth Remembering

Despite the impending end of The Late Show, Batiste stressed the importance of celebrating what the show accomplished.

“Stephen Colbert and the entire team created something historic,” he reflected. “We built a space where laughter, truth, and music could coexist. I’ll always cherish that time.”

Batiste himself has gone on to an extraordinary career since leaving the show. In 2022, he won the Grammy for Album of the Year for We Are, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary music. He also won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for Pixar’s Soul, further showcasing his versatility. His success underscores the lasting influence of The Late Show in nurturing and spotlighting creative talent.

What Comes Next?

CBS has not yet announced what will replace The Late Show, though speculation ranges from streaming-focused experiments to more inexpensive reality or panel programming. Whatever the case, Batiste hopes the industry remembers what is at stake.

“It’s not just about filling a time slot,” he said. “It’s about what kind of culture we want to create. Do we want a culture shaped only by algorithms and profits, or do we want one that values humanity, truth, and art?”

For audiences who grew up with Colbert, Letterman, or even Johnny Carson, the end of The Late Show represents more than just the cancellation of a TV program. It represents the closing of a chapter in American cultural history.

Free Speech in the Age of Profit

Batiste’s warning about the impact on free speech is particularly timely. In an era of disinformation, political polarization, and eroding trust in institutions, spaces where truth can be spoken to power—sometimes humorously, sometimes critically—are more vital than ever.

“Comedy and music are forms of truth-telling,” Batiste emphasized. “When you cut off those spaces, you’re not just making a business decision. You’re affecting how society processes reality.”

His words resonate beyond entertainment, touching on the very principles of democracy and civic life. A free society depends on diverse platforms for expression. When those platforms shrink under the weight of corporate interests, so too does the public’s access to truth.

Conclusion: A Call to Value Culture Over Profit

The decision to end The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in 2026 will undoubtedly mark a turning point in television history. For Jon Batiste, however, the story is about more than just one show. It is about the future of culture itself in a world where financial imperatives too often overshadow artistic and democratic ones.

“We have to ask ourselves: what do we value?” he said. “Do we want to be a society that measures everything by profit margins, or do we want to invest in art, expression, and the freedom to speak truth? That choice will define us.”

As CBS prepares to close the curtain on Colbert’s Late Show, Batiste’s words serve as both a tribute and a warning—a reminder that while shows may end, the struggle to protect free expression and creativity is far from over.