Stephen Colbert is at the center of a conspiracy theory. It was born last week, when news broke of CBS canceling Colbert's late-night talk show. The

CBS parent Paramount insists that this week's decision to cancel Steven Colbert's “Late Show” was strictly financial, and had nothing to do with politics.

Stephen Colbert gained a little help from his friends and late-night rivals on Monday, his first night back on-air since announcing that CBS is ending the legendary show.