David Letterman isn’t holding back his thoughts on CBS after the network canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He openly called the network’s owners “lying weasels” for their claims about financial reasons behind the cancellation.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Letterman alleged that the true motivations for pulling the show were hidden. He suggested that it was part of a larger deal, saying, “He was dumped because the people selling the network to Skydance said, ‘Oh no, there’s not going to be any trouble with that guy.’” It seems like a lot more was at play than simply numbers on a spreadsheet.
Last year, when CBS announced the show’s ending this May, they insisted it was all about finances. However, their spokesperson reaffirmed this stance after Letterman’s remarks, stating, “Unequivocally a financial decision.” But Letterman didn’t buy it, arguing, “What about the humanity for Stephen and the humanity of people who love him?” He feels the network ignored the emotional aspect of the show for its audience.
Letterman has a point. With traditional TV struggling against the rise of streaming platforms, many have felt the pinch. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center showed that 56% of Americans now prefer streaming services over traditional cable. This shift raises questions about the future of late-night television. Are networks adapting the right way, or are they too focused on quick financial fixes?
Letterman hosted The Late Show for over 20 years, paving the way for Colbert and others. He has consistently critiqued CBS, labelling the cancellation “pure cowardice” and saying the network didn’t treat Colbert—the face of late-night TV—properly. He pointed to internal issues at the network, hinting that financial concerns may have simply been a smokescreen.
As the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert approaches on May 21, 2026, the landscape of late-night television continues to change. With Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen taking over the slot, fans of Colbert are left questioning where their late-night laughs will come from next.
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