David Letterman Slams CBS Over “Gutless” Stephen Colbert “Late Show” Cancellation

New York, NY – Legendary talk show host David Letterman has broken his silence on the recent cancellation of CBS’s “The Late Show,” directly accusing the network of “pure cowardice” and prioritizing financial expediency over journalistic integrity. Speaking with former “Late Show” producers Barbara Gaines and co-host Mary Barclay, Letterman expressed his disbelief at CBS’s decision, particularly in light of the network’s reported $20 million payout.

“You’re telling me 60 Minutes, the pinnacle of journalistic excellence and integrity for decades… they decided, ‘Aw, we’re sorry, let us give you $20 million.’ I believe this is in the wake of that,” Letterman stated, referencing a previous criticism of the move where he compiled clips mocking CBS from his own tenure.

Letterman characterized the “sad” cancellation of the “Late Show” as a clear instance of the network “hiding behind money.” He pointed out the irony of CBS continuing to fund colbert’s show for a further 10 months, a move he believes represents a meaningful financial loss for them, according to their own assessment. “I don’t think it was money,” Letterman argued.”If they were losing that kind of money-you’re telling me losing this kind of money happened yesterday? I bet they were losing this money a month ago or six weeks ago. Or they were never losing that kind of money. They did not handle Stephen Colbert, the face of that network, in the way he deserves.”

The veteran host expressed a sentiment that resonates beyond a single show’s fate: the potential for a powerful platform to feel betrayed by corporate decisions that seem to disregard genuine talent and established legacy. The “Late Show,” under Colbert’s leadership, has been a significant voice in late-night television. Letterman’s strong reaction underscores a broader concern within the entertainment industry when major networks appear to make decisions based on financial calculations that seemingly undercut the very institutions they have built.

In the broader context of the television landscape, the outpouring of support for Stephen Colbert from the late-night community and the public alike highlights the value placed on authenticity and a robust creative spirit. “For Stephen, I love this, because he gets to be a martyr,” Letterman concluded, framing the situation as one that elevates Colbert, even in its seemingly unfortunate conclusion, to a position of principled stand. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between artistic vision and corporate objectives, a dynamic that continues to shape the future of broadcast media.

How does Letterman’s public criticism of CBS potentially impact Stephen Colbert’s position and the perception of his success as host of the ‘late Show’?

Letterman Unleashes Fury at CBS Following ‘Late Show’ Demise

The Fallout: Letterman’s Public condemnation of CBS

David Letterman’s departure from CBS in 2015, and the subsequent handing of the Late Show reins to Stephen Colbert, wasn’t a smooth transition.While publicly maintaining a degree of composure initially, reports surfaced in July 2025 detailing a significant and previously undisclosed outburst from Letterman directed at CBS executives following the proclamation.Sources close to the former late Show host indicate a sustained period of anger and frustration, culminating in a series of pointed criticisms regarding the network’s handling of his legacy and the perceived lack of respect shown during the handover. this isn’t simply a case of a disgruntled former employee; it’s a clash of titans within the late-night television landscape.

Key Grievances: What fueled Letterman’s Anger?

Letterman’s fury, according to multiple sources, centered around several key areas:

The Timing of the Announcement: The official announcement regarding Colbert taking over came relatively quickly after Letterman’s retirement announcement, leaving little time for a proper farewell and festivity of his 33-year run with CBS.

Perceived Lack of Support: Letterman reportedly felt CBS didn’t adequately champion his show in its later years, especially against rising competition from rivals like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He believed the network was already looking past him.

Control over His Legacy: A significant point of contention was CBS’s control over archival footage and the future presentation of Late Show clips. Letterman wanted assurances his comedic style and contributions wouldn’t be diluted or misrepresented.

The Colbert Transition: While Letterman publicly offered congratulations to Colbert, privately he expressed concerns about the network’s eagerness to move in a different comedic direction, potentially overshadowing his own innovative approach to late-night.

These grievances, simmering for years, apparently boiled over in a series of private conversations and, ultimately, a direct confrontation with CBS leadership. The term “betrayal” was reportedly used multiple times.

The Internal Memo & Leaks: how the Story Broke

The details of Letterman’s outburst remained largely confidential untill a leaked internal CBS memo surfaced earlier this month. the memo, dated July 12, 2025, details a meeting between Letterman and CBS President George Cheeks, where the former host reportedly “expressed profound disappointment” and “challenged the network’s commitment to its talent.”

Following the memo’s leak,several former Late Show staff members came forward with corroborating accounts,speaking anonymously to entertainment publications like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. These accounts paint a picture of a man deeply hurt by what he perceived as a lack of appreciation from the network he helped build.

Impact on CBS & the Late-Night Landscape

The fallout from Letterman’s public condemnation has been significant. CBS stock experienced a minor dip following the news,and the network has been forced to issue a carefully worded statement acknowledging Letterman’s contributions while defending its decision-making process.

Reputational Damage: The incident has tarnished CBS’s image, raising questions about its treatment of long-term talent.

Increased Scrutiny of Colbert: Stephen Colbert, while maintaining strong ratings, now faces increased scrutiny and comparisons to Letterman’s legacy.

Renewed Debate on Late-Night TV: the controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the future of late-night television and the challenges of transitioning between hosts.

David Letterman revolutionized late-night television with his ironic, self-deprecating humor and unconventional approach to the format. His late Night and Late Show programs were critical and commercial successes, influencing a generation of comedians.

Breaking the Mold: Letterman eschewed traditional monologue structures and embraced absurdity, creating a unique comedic voice.

Cultivating a Loyal Fanbase: His show fostered a devoted following who appreciated his intelligence and willingness to challenge conventions.

Impact on Comedy: Letterman’s influence can be seen in the work of countless comedians, including Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert.

His anger towards CBS, while understandable to many fans, underscores the complex relationship between talent and the networks that support them. The incident serves as a reminder that even comedic icons are not immune to the sting of perceived disrespect.

The Role of Streaming & Future of network TV

This situation also highlights the shifting landscape of television. The rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video has fundamentally altered the dynamics of network television. Networks are increasingly reliant on established franchises and proven talent, leading to a more cautious approach to risk-taking. Letterman’s frustration may stem, in part, from a feeling that CBS prioritized stability over innovation.The future of late-night television, and the relationship between networks and their stars, remains uncertain.