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Colbert's Musical Gamble: CBS Faces Potential Lawsuit
22 May
Summary
- Colbert deliberately used copyrighted music on his final show.
- CBS could face a lawsuit and significant financial penalties.
- The show was canceled after a $16 million lawsuit settlement.
Stephen Colbert intentionally played copyrighted music, specifically the "Peanuts" theme, during his final "The Late Show" episode. He acknowledged the potential legal and financial repercussions for CBS, humorously questioning if his band was using the unauthorized music.
Colbert's show was canceled in July 2025. This decision came after CBS and its parent company, Paramount, settled a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump. CBS officially stated the cancellation was a financial decision.
However, many observers speculated that the show's end was influenced by political factors. Some believed Paramount aimed to gain favor with Trump and the FCC, potentially aiding their merger with Skydance.
