CBS says its decision to end Stephen Colbert’s late-night comedy show is financial, not political. Yet even with the ample skepticism about that explanation, there’s no denying the economics were not working in Colbert’s favor.

The CBS late night host breaks his silence on his parent company's deal that was announced during his vacation.

Before Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" was canceled, Jon Stewart hadn't "heard anything" about whether his Comedy Central show would be canceled.

Colbert followed “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart’s attack of the deal one week earlier. Stewart works for Comedy Central, also owned by Paramount, making the two comics the most visible internal critics of the $16 million settlement that was announced on July 1.

Colbert himself is a member of the WGA, as are 23 other people on the staff of "The Late Show." With the ending of Colbert's run -- and the outright cancellation of "The Late Show" -- so hot on the heels of a fiery monologue from the host earlier this week where he referred to Paramount's settlement with the president as a "big fat bribe,

The Writers Guild of America wants Paramount investigated for bribery after news of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” being canceled. Variety reports said it has “significant concerns” that the move may have been a way to bribe president Donald Trump into sanctioning Paramount’s pending acquisition by Skydance.

CBS’ decision to cut ties with Stephen Colbert and its decades-old “Late Show” franchise come next May will leave a major hole in the format — but one that has been widening. TV networks have been cutting costs at their late-night mainstays for the past few years.

The shocking cancellation of Late Show With Stephen Colbert raises questions about the Paramount merger and Trump's influence.