In a recent appearance on Fox News, comedian Rob Schneider expressed his views on the current state of late-night television and the broader cultural landscape, suggesting that what he terms the “woke empire” is nearing its collapse. Schneider’s comments were prompted by the ongoing discussions surrounding Stephen Colbert’s show and the implications of political affiliations in comedy.

Schneider, known for his outspoken conservative stance, did not shy away from criticizing the financial woes faced by programs like Colbert’s. He humorously attributed the show’s struggles to a lack of viewership, stating, “Yeah, it is a financial decision because your show is terrible and nobody was watching it.” This remark highlights Schneider’s belief that the decline in ratings is directly linked to the show’s political bias, which he argues alienates a significant portion of the audience.

The conversation took a twist when Schneider mentioned a recent court ruling that prevented CBS from firing Colbert. He quipped about the political motivations behind such decisions, suggesting that high-profile Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren, should take responsibility for the losses incurred by the network. Schneider proposed that Warren could cover CBS’s financial losses from her own resources, further emphasizing his critique of the political elite’s relationship with media.

Throughout the discussion, Schneider reflected on the evolution of late-night programming, contrasting it with the days of Johnny Carson, a host he felt appealed to a wider audience without alienating viewers. He lamented the current climate where late-night shows seem to cater exclusively to liberal perspectives, thus limiting their potential audience. “He already cut the pie in half with just by cutting out conservatives,” Schneider said, emphasizing how this division impacts overall viewership and, consequently, revenue.

Schneider also highlighted the rise of Greg Gutfeld, whose show has reportedly surpassed traditional late-night competitors like Colbert, Kimmel, and Fallon in ratings. He credited Gutfeld’s success to his genuine humor and ability to engage a diverse audience without overtly politicizing his content. Schneider posited that the liberal media has positioned itself in a way that invites ridicule, leading to a backlash that may ultimately benefit comedic voices that resonate more broadly with the public.

In conclusion, Schneider’s commentary underscores a growing sentiment among some comedians and commentators that the current cultural and media landscape is shifting. As the “woke empire” faces challenges, figures like Schneider are advocating for a return to a more inclusive and less politically charged form of comedy, reminiscent of past eras when humor sought to unite rather than divide.