David Letterman Weighs in on Cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show”: ‘You Can’t Spell CBS Without BS’

Veteran television host David Letterman recently made his opinion known following the news of the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’. Letterman, who hosted the iconic late-night talk show for over two decades from 1993 to 2015 before passing the torch to Colbert, took to YouTube on July 21 to share a video montage. The montage showcased moments from various episodes of ‘The Late Show’ spanning from 1994 to 2013 and featured Letterman taking jabs at CBS, culminating in the caption, “You can’t spell CBS without BS.”

While not directly addressing Colbert’s show being axed by CBS, Letterman’s pointed video release has been perceived as a show of support for Colbert, who announced the end of ‘The Late Show’ in May 2026 during a recent episode. Colbert informed his audience that the network had made the decision to end the show after the upcoming season, prompting a disappointed reaction from the crowd. Despite expressing his gratitude towards CBS as partners, Colbert made it clear that the show was not being replaced, signalling the end of an era for the beloved programme.

In response to the announcement, CBS stated that the decision to cancel ‘The Late Show’ was primarily a financial one amidst challenges in the late-night landscape. The network also expressed its admiration and respect for Colbert, highlighting the difficulty of the decision. Interestingly, the cancellation came shortly after Colbert criticised Paramount, CBS’s parent company, for a multi-million-dollar settlement with former President Donald Trump over an interview dispute.

The fallout from the cancellation of ‘The Late Show’ has seen an outpouring of support for Stephen Colbert from his fellow late-night hosts and celebrities. Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, and John Oliver made surprise appearances on Colbert’s show to show solidarity. Additionally, Jimmy Kimmel publicly backed Colbert on social media, expressing his support while also taking a dig at CBS in the process.

Despite the challenging circumstances surrounding the end of ‘The Late Show’, Colbert’s legacy on the program, which began in 2016, will come to a close in May 2026. The show initially debuted with David Letterman as host in 1993, marking the end of an era in late-night television. As Colbert and his team prepare for the final season, fans and viewers alike can expect a poignant conclusion to a significant chapter in late-night talk show history.

The controversy surrounding the cancellation of ‘The Late Show’ serves as a reminder of the complexities and competition within the entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of late-night television. It also highlights the enduring impact and influence of iconic hosts like David Letterman and Stephen Colbert, whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on the genre. As Colbert’s tenure on the show nears its end, the entertainment world eagerly awaits the final season, paying tribute to a legacy that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.