When CBS pulled the plug on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the network believed it was closing a chapter — a ratings struggle wrapped in polite applause and polite disappointment. But if CBS had known what would follow, insiders whisper, the network’s executives would have fought tooth and nail to keep Colbert in their corner.

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The Cancellation That Sparked a Revolution

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Enter Jasmine Crockett

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The New Format: Part Comedy, Part Crossfire

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Fans and Critics React

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CBS’s Regret

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Too Bold to Survive — or Just Bold Enough?

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A Symbol of Change

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The Final Word