In a twist that even Stephen Colbert might appreciate for its ironic punchline, a rally organized to support the embattled late-night host outside the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan drew a whopping crowd of… about 20 people. The “We’re With Colbert” gathering, held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, was intended as a nationwide call for “integrity” amid claims that Colbert’s show cancellation was politically motivated.
Instead, it became a symbol of waning interest, with even the NYPD officers on site packing up early as most demonstrators dispersed after mere minutes.
The Backstory: Colbert’s Cancellation Sparks Conspiracy Theories
The drama which led to the “We’re With Colbert” rally kicked off earlier this month when CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end in May 2026, after 33 years of the franchise (including its previous iterations).
Stephen Colbert dances around with human needles – YouTube, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Colbert, 61, has been a staple of late-night TV, known particularly for his nonstop criticism of President Donald Trump. Network executives cited declining viewership and rising costs as the reasons for the axe, but critics—and the protesters (however few there were)—aren’t buying it.
Adding fuel to the fire is the timing: CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, recently finalized an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which required federal approval. Some see this as evidence of bowing to political pressure from Trump. Organizer Matt (nickname “Slim”), who declined to give his full name, lamented, “Our country is not perfect, never has been. But we’ve always had the First Amendment.” He went on to claim that Trump “is trying to take that from us.”
Stephen Colbert on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert – YouTube, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Another unnamed protester called the cancellation a “First Amendment attack,” insisting, “We can’t stand for that.”nypost.com
Colbert’s show has indeed been a lightning rod for controversy. A study by the Media Research Center (MRC NewsBusters) found that since 2022, Colbert hosted 176 liberal guests but only one Republican, painting him as a bastion of left-leaning commentary. Supporters argue this makes him a target in a post-Trump media landscape, while detractors see the low ratings as proof the format is simply outdated.
The Rally: Signs, Slogans, and Sparse Attendance
Photos from the event capture the essence of the flop: a small group huddled outside the CBS Broadcast Center, holding signs like “Go F**k Yourself!” (echoing Colbert’s words to Trump following his cancellation), “Cancel Culture Sucks,” and a large blue banner proclaiming, “The Press is the Enemy of the People. You Just Crossed One Place Too Far. I’m With Colbert”—a twist on Trump’s own rhetoric.
A small group of “We’re with Colbert” protesters outside of CBS Studios in NYC demanding that Stephen Colbert be reinstated. pic.twitter.com/aqtQ2voDIS
— NJEG Media (@NJEGmedia) July 27, 2025
The image juxtaposes this scene with a stern-looking Colbert from his show, arms crossed in apparent dismay.nypost.com
At its peak, the rally hit around 20 attendees, a far cry from the nationwide movement organizers envisioned. By contrast, an earlier “Save Colbert” protest on July 23, organized by groups like Indivisible, drew dozens of marchers through Manhattan, including Democratic lawmakers, and touted a petition with over 250,000 signatures delivered to Paramount headquarters.
A post from President Donald Trump about the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert – Truth Social
That event, covered by outlets like The Guardian, highlighted broader concerns about media freedom and late-night entertainment’s future.
Broader Implications: Is Late-Night TV on Life Support?
This isn’t just about Colbert—it’s a microcosm of shifting media landscapes.
Comedians like Jon Stewart have rallied in support, decrying the cancellation as corporate cowardice. Groups like Indivisible have framed it as a “politically-charged” decision, urging CBS to reverse course via petitions and protests.
Jon Stewart on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart – YouTube, The Daily Show
Yet, the sparse crowd at this latest rally suggests public enthusiasm may be limited. As viewership fragments across streaming and social media, traditional late-night formats face existential threats. Colbert’s fate could signal the end of an era, but if Sunday’s turnout is any indication, not everyone is tuning in to save it.
In the end, the “We’re With Colbert” rally proved hysterical not for its message, but for its execution.
How do you feel about the turnout for this Colbert rally? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
