David Letterman hasn’t officially commented on CBS’s surprising choice to cancel “The Late Show,” a program he hosted for 22 years starting in 1993. However, his feelings are quite clear. His team shared a 20-minute supercut on YouTube, showcasing moments when Letterman poked fun at CBS during his time on the show.
The supercut carries a cheeky caption: “You can’t spell CBS without BS.” This hints at the team’s displeasure.
One notable clip shows Letterman humorously criticizing CBS for merely giving “The Late Show” a single line in a large advertisement in USA Today. Another memorable moment came when he called out CBS for mistakenly featuring a photo of Jay Leno, his late-night rival, instead of him during an awards announcement.
Letterman quipped, “He’s not on CBS! I am on CBS! What is the matter with these people?” His humor prompted applause from the audience.
On July 17, Stephen Colbert announced that CBS would not only cancel his version of “The Late Show” but also the entire franchise by May 2026. Reportedly, financial reasons drove the decision. Yet, many in the industry raised questions about the underlying politics, especially since Colbert often critiqued former President Trump on air. CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is also seeking a merger with Skydance, adding to the speculation.
Late-night hosts voiced their frustrations as well. Jimmy Kimmel expressed his anger on Instagram, saying, “F*** you and all your Sheldons, CBS.” Jon Stewart echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether the cancellation was purely financial. He suggested it might have been easier for CBS to cut a show that often criticized a “fragile and vengeful president.”
This cancellation marks a significant moment in late-night history. Since 1986, “The Late Show” has been a staple of CBS’s programming. The show’s end brings to mind the evolving landscape of late-night television, where political commentary plays a crucial role. Over the years, hosts have tackled hot-button issues and often reflected the mood of the nation.
As the industry changes, viewers’ reactions are also shifting. Many fans are taking to social media to express their disappointment, sharing clips from Letterman and Colbert’s most memorable moments. This indicative of how deeply these shows resonate with audiences.
For those interested, you can watch the full supercut from Letterman’s team below.
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CBS,David Letterman,Stephen Colbert,The Late Show