The former host questions the financial rationale behind the show's end and criticizes CBS's handling of Stephen Colbert
Category: Arts & Culture
David Letterman has publicly criticized CBS, calling its owners "lying weasels" after the network announced the cancellation of *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, which will air its final episode on May 21, 2026. In a recent interview with *The New York Times*, Letterman expressed disbelief over the network's claims that the decision was purely financial, alleging that other motives were at play.
As seen in a trending post on r/television, Letterman, who hosted *The Late Show* from 1993 to 2015 before Stephen Colbert took over, stated that the show's cancellation was influenced by the impending sale of CBS to Skydance Media. He claimed that the individuals involved in the sale assured that there would be no issues with Colbert's hosting, saying, "Oh no, there’s not going to be any trouble with that guy. We’re going to take care of the show. We’re just going to throw that into the deal. When will the ink on the check dry?" He continued, "I’m just going to go on record as saying: They’re lying. Let me just add one other thing, Jason. They’re lying weasels," referencing *New York Times* writer Jason Zinoman.
Last year, when CBS announced the show's cancellation, the network described it as "purely a financial decision" made against the backdrop of a challenging environment for late-night television. A spokesperson reiterated this stance in response to Letterman's comments, asserting, "Unequivocally a financial decision." CBS emphasized that the cancellation was not related to the show's content or performance.
Letterman, now 79, expressed concern about the implications of the cancellation, stating, "They don’t share the books with me. All of television seems to have been nicked by digital communication and streaming platforms and on and on. TV may be not the money machine it once was. On the other hand, what about the humanity for Stephen and the humanity of people who love him and the humanity for people who still enjoyed that 11:30 respite?" His remarks highlight a broader concern about the impact of digital media on traditional television revenue.
The decision to cancel *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* comes during a tumultuous period for CBS, which is undergoing a major transition with the merger between its parent company, ViacomCBS, and Skydance Media. This merger has raised questions about the network's direction and priorities, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding CBS and its parent company. Just days before the cancellation announcement, Colbert had criticized CBS's parent company during his program, which some speculate may have contributed to the decision.
In the changing late-night television environment, many shows are struggling to maintain viewership as audiences shift to streaming platforms. Letterman noted that the late-night format is not entirely dead but may face challenges in the near future. He remarked, "We still have Jimmy [Kimmel]. We still have Seth [Meyers]. It’s not completely dead on arrival, but I would be surprised if it lasts more than a year or so. But it’s such an easy soothing format that it’s got to stay on." His comments suggest that, even as traditional late-night shows face difficulties, the format still holds value for audiences.
Letterman also expressed frustration over the treatment of Colbert, who has been a prominent figure in late-night television since taking over *The Late Show*. He previously described the network's handling of Colbert as "pure cowardice," arguing that CBS failed to support the host adequately. "I don’t think it was money," he said at the time. "I think it was all to make sure [Skydance head David Ellison, who became the CEO of CBS after the merger] were solid spending dad’s money." Letterman's comments indicate a belief that the motivations behind the cancellation extend beyond financial concerns.
Following Colbert's departure, CBS will replace *The Late Show* with *Comics Unleashed*, a comedy talk show hosted by Byron Allen. This programming decision reflects CBS's strategy to adapt to the changing television market, with Allen Media Group financing the airtime, which allows CBS to avoid direct costs associated with producing a new show. Letterman remarked on this shift, stating, "They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money. They charge Byron Allen some reasonable price. He sells all the advertising for his ‘Comics Unleashed,’ and it’ll be, I think, 90 minutes or two hours of comics talking about funny stuff." This approach may signal a broader trend in the industry, where networks look for cost-effective programming solutions.
As the final episode of *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* approaches, the late-night television community is left to ponder the implications of CBS's decision. Letterman’s critique of the network's management and its handling of Colbert highlights the tensions that can arise in an industry grappling with rapid change. The legacy of *The Late Show* and its impact on late-night television will continue to resonate, even as new programming takes its place.
David Letterman’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges facing traditional television in the era of streaming and digital content. As the industry evolves, the fate of late-night programming remains uncertain, but the conversation surrounding its future continues. The final episode of *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* is set to air on May 21, 2026, marking the end of an era for a show that has been a staple of late-night television for over three decades.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.