Jeff Shell Addresses CBS's 10 PM Strategy and Colbert Cancellation

Jeff Shell, President of Paramount, has changed his approach to late-night programming since his time at NBCUniversal. While he previously considered dropping the 10 PM slot at NBC, he now believes CBS's 10 PM dramas are performing well on both traditional television and streaming platforms. Successful shows like Blue Bloods and Elsbeth demonstrate the value of this time slot.

However, Shell has decided to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026 because the late-night format faces serious economic challenges. Although Colbert maintains good viewership, 80% of audiences now watch on YouTube, which pays significantly less than traditional advertising, making the format financially unsustainable.