David Letterman has spoken out against CBS’s reasoning for cancelling *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, labelling the network’s statements as deceptive. The network had described the decision to end the show, which has been a staple of late-night television for over three decades, as one driven purely by financial concerns amid the evolving media landscape, but Letterman disagrees.
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In an interview with *The New York Times*, Letterman, 79, accused the executives at CBS of being “lying weasels” regarding their rationale for discontinuing the show. He expressed disbelief that the cancellation stemmed solely from financial issues, suggesting that the real reasons were more complex. He stated that while the television industry is indeed facing challenges due to the rise of digital platforms, the decision to let go of Colbert was tied to external pressures related to the sale of CBS to the entertainment company Skydance.
The announcement of the show’s cancellation came during a July 2025 episode, where Colbert revealed that the final broadcast would air on May 21. Following this announcement, a CBS spokesperson reiterated that the decision was “unequivocally a financial decision,” stating it had no connection to the show’s performance or content quality.
Letterman elaborated on his views, pointing out that the cancellation came shortly after Colbert had publicly critiqued CBS’s parent company, Paramount. During a previous episode, Colbert had notably condemned Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, concerning an accusation that *CBS News* had deceptively edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. This timing raises eyebrows, as it suggests that external corporate influences may have played a role in the network’s decision-making process.
In his remarks, Letterman speculated on the current state of late-night television and its future. While he acknowledged the ongoing popularity of hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers, he expressed skepticism about the sustainability of the format, predicting it might not endure much longer. Despite these doubts, Letterman maintained that the late-night talk show remains a cherished format, proof of people connecting through conversation.
Reflecting on the implications of the cancellation, Letterman commented on the broader consequences for Colbert and the format. He expressed concern for his successor, noting that changes were afoot that could jeopardise the integrity of late-night television. “What the hell have they done to Stephen?” Letterman pondered, highlighting a significant sense of loss not only for Colbert but for the legacy of his own former show.
The late-night show host also referenced David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, implying that financial decision-making may have been influenced by reckless spending habits. Letterman informed his audience about his mixed feelings upon learning of the cancellation, likening it to the pain of witnessing changes in a familiar neighbourhood.
Despite expressing disdain for CBS and its new owners, Letterman did leave room for some optimism. He noted that Byron Allen’s comedy talk show, *Comics Unleashed*, which is set to take over Colbert’s time slot, could help in providing a continued segment of light-hearted entertainment for late-night viewers.
As *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* prepares for its final episode, it remains to be seen how this shake-up will affect the landscape of late-night television. CBS may assert that the decision was based on financial motives, but Letterman’s candid opinion certainly adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the future of late-night broadcasting. Until the series concludes, audiences can still catch the show every weekday at 11:35 p.m. BST on CBS.