August 2025 — In a striking comparison of celebrity influence, Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney has managed to generate hundreds of millions in value for a major brand — simply by wearing jeans — while late-night host Stephen Colbert has been accused of costing his network tens of millions each year.

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Colbert’s Costly Comedy

Reports estimate that Colbert’s “woke” comedy brand has drained up to $50 million annually from CBS, as ratings and ad revenues waver in a fractured late-night market. Critics argue that his increasingly politicized tone alienated audiences, reducing the show’s broad appeal and making it less attractive to advertisers.

Sweeney’s Silent Win for American Eagle

Meanwhile, Sydney Sweeney’s recent American Eagle campaign — featuring the actress in a playful denim shoot — sparked a wave of consumer buzz. The result? Analysts estimate the campaign added around $200 million in market value to American Eagle in a matter of days.

Unlike Colbert’s talk-show monologues, Sweeney didn’t deliver political punchlines or moral lectures. She simply posed in denim — and the market responded.

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The Power of Image Over Ideology

The contrast highlights a broader truth in modern entertainment and marketing: audiences can be just as powerfully influenced by a well-crafted image as by an outspoken message. While Colbert’s platform thrives on political commentary, Sweeney’s appeal in this instance came from relatability, style, and the absence of controversy in her campaign.

With social media amplifying both wins and losses, the gap between Colbert’s cost and Sweeney’s gain serves as a reminder that sometimes, silence in denim can speak louder than a monologue.