It was supposed to be a show of force—a rallying cry for fans of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” But when the “We Are With Colbert” demonstration took place outside CBS headquarters, the turnout was anything but headline-grabbing. Just 20 loyal supporters showed up, a number that left pundits and media watchers asking: Has America finally had enough of partisan late-night TV?

A Rally That Fell Flat

As one commentator quipped, “Sounds big, right? It was a flop.” The modest crowd stood in stark contrast to Colbert’s high-profile persona and the show’s once-formidable ratings. The rally, organized by fans in response to CBS’s announcement to end Colbert’s run, was meant to signal outrage and solidarity. Instead, it became a symbol of shifting tastes in American entertainment.

CBS cited financial factors for the decision, noting the show’s reported $100 million annual operating budget and mounting losses of $40 million a year. For some, the explanation was simple: the numbers didn’t add up. But for others, the story pointed to a deeper change—a tipping point for liberal-leaning late-night shows.

Jay Leno Weighs In: Comedy vs. Partisanship

Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno recently shared his thoughts on the changing landscape of late-night comedy. “To me, I’d like to think people come to a comedy show to get away from the pressures of life,” Leno said. “I love political humor, don’t get me wrong, but what happens when people wind up going too much to one side or the other? I like to bring people into the big picture. I don’t understand why you would alienate one particular group.”

Leno’s comments echoed a growing sentiment among viewers—many crave humor that unites rather than divides. “Just do what’s funny,” he advised, suggesting that the best comedy transcends politics.

The One-Trick Pony Problem

Piers Morgan, a frequent commentator on American media, didn’t mince words. “When I watch Colbert—which is not a lot—endless sneering, mocking, Trump-bashing. It’s boring,” Morgan said. He extended his critique to other hosts: “Jimmy Kimmel does the same, Seth Meyers does the same, John Oliver does the same. It’s a one-trick pony. Trump bashing.”

Morgan’s remarks, delivered with a mix of humor and candor, reflected the frustration of viewers who feel late-night TV has become predictable. “America went, ‘We quite like Trump, so we’re going to vote him back in. We are sick of you whiny liberals.’”

While Morgan’s words were pointed, he also acknowledged the changing economics of television. “Colbert was costing them $40 million a year. He had 200 staff. How many do you guys have?” he joked with his fellow panelists, highlighting the contrast with leaner cable news teams.

Financial Realities and Ratings Decline

The panel discussed the broader financial pressures facing late-night television. Many shows have reduced their schedules from five nights a week to four, a move driven by shrinking ratings and rising costs. “There has to be something that’s being looked at in late-night television where these big TV networks are saying, ‘I don’t know if it makes financial sense for five live nights,’” one commentator observed.

The decline isn’t limited to late-night comedy. Awards shows like the Oscars and Emmys have also seen ratings drop year over year, despite their extensive production budgets. As one panelist put it, “A lot of times they get political. With Stephen Colbert, the people he was booking—you are not in step with America.”

The Guest List Debate

A recent New York Post report noted that Colbert had just one Republican guest in three years, compared to nearly 200 Democrats. “It’s insane,” a panelist remarked, suggesting that the show’s booking choices reflected a partisan tilt.

The discussion turned to the broader media landscape. “92% of the media coverage in the first 100 days of the Trump administration was negative,” one commentator said, referencing media research. “Nothing he is saying is brave. It aligns with the rest of these people in the media.”

Viewer Fatigue and the Power of Choice

The panelists agreed that viewers have more options than ever, and they’re voting with their remotes. “Who would expect a huge crowd walking down Fifth Avenue for a show that people had voted for with their remote? Sending the strongest message of all, which is no, thank you.”

Despite being available in millions of households, Colbert’s ratings remained “abysmal,” a sign that viewers were tuning out. “People didn’t want to watch those late-night therapy sessions, the same thing,” one panelist said.

The Rise of Alternative Voices

Morgan pointed to the success of independent commentary on platforms like YouTube. “We get millions of views because people want to see unfiltered commentary, the kind they get around this sofa. They don’t want to see a one-trick whiny pony telling everyone all the time that the guy they voted for is terrible. They don’t agree.”

The shift toward online media reflects a broader trend—Americans are seeking diverse perspectives and authentic conversation, often outside the bounds of traditional TV.

The Future of Late-Night: Who’s Number One?

As the discussion wrapped up, attention turned to Greg Gutfeld, host of Fox News’s late-night show, who has climbed to the top of the ratings. “I hate to admit this, because it will make his head even bigger. Greg Gutfeld. He teases everybody. A bit like Leno used to do. And he’s funny.”

Gutfeld’s success suggests that late-night comedy can thrive when it appeals to a wide audience and avoids heavy-handed partisanship.

What’s Next?

The end of Colbert’s show marks a turning point for late-night television. As networks weigh financial realities and shifting viewer preferences, the future remains uncertain. Will new hosts emerge who can bridge the divide and bring Americans together with laughter? Or will the trend toward niche audiences and online platforms continue?

One thing is clear: viewers have more choices than ever, and they’re making their voices heard—not just at rallies, but every night from their living rooms.