David Letterman Calls Out CBS: “The People Behind Colbert’s Cancellation Will Be Embarrassed”

In an unexpected and scathing attack on his former network, David Letterman, the iconic host who pioneered The Late Show more than 30 years ago, has torn into CBS over the shocking cancellation of the Stephen Colbert-led franchise. The move, which has sent shockwaves through the television industry, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Letterman taking center stage as one of the most vocal critics.

In his first public remarks since the cancellation was announced, Letterman didn’t hold back. His criticisms were pointed and damning, accusing CBS’s leadership of cowardice and lack of integrity. But what’s even more explosive is the context he’s offering—linking the cancellation to broader corporate interests, political maneuvering, and an uncomfortable web of financial and regulatory deals that have yet to be fully unpacked. What’s behind the shocking move? And why is Letterman so furious?

The Shock Heard Around Hollywood: Colbert’s Sudden Cancellation

It was a moment that stunned both fans and insiders alike: CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after years of success. The announcement came as a complete surprise, especially considering Colbert’s consistent success and his role as one of the most prominent voices on television. Colbert, a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump, had established himself as one of the most influential and respected late-night hosts, and his abrupt departure sent tremors throughout the industry.

CBS, in its official statement, attributed the cancellation to financial concerns, citing “a challenging backdrop in late night.” The network argued that The Late Show had been losing money in recent years, and that the decision was simply a reflection of the shifting media landscape. But this explanation, according to Letterman, doesn’t hold water. The legendary host has accused CBS of masking the true reason for Colbert’s cancellation—and he’s not afraid to say it.

Letterman’s Fiery Critique: “Gutless” and “Cowardice”

During a candid Zoom discussion uploaded to his YouTube channel, Letterman unleashed a barrage of criticism against CBS and its corporate overlords. He called the decision to cancel The Late Show “pure cowardice,” adding that the people behind it would one day be “embarrassed” by how they handled the situation.

“You’re telling me they don’t know that broadcast television is withering?” Letterman asked, pointing fingers at the network’s leadership. “These guys are bottom feeders. That’s exactly what this is.” Letterman didn’t hold back in his assessment of CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, either.

He pointed directly to the network’s recent $16 million settlement with former President Trump, which had raised eyebrows due to its connection to a controversial lawsuit involving 60 Minutes. According to reports, CBS’s settlement with Trump came just weeks before the Trump-appointed chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a multibillion-dollar merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, a company headed by David Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.

For Letterman, the timing was no coincidence. “They want to make sure—they don’t want to be hassled by the United States government,” Letterman argued. “So they want CBS to take care of all that mess!” He implied that the decision to cancel Colbert’s show was not about the financials at all but rather about appeasing powerful corporate interests and shielding themselves from potential fallout from the Trump administration.

A Personal Attack on Colbert: Letterman’s ‘Martyr’ Comment

Despite the scathing critique, Letterman’s comments on Colbert were surprisingly empathetic. While he expressed disappointment at the cancellation, he went on to praise Colbert for what he saw as his unwavering stance and resilience. “He’s a martyr, good for him,” Letterman said, acknowledging that Colbert had become a symbol of defiance.

“If you listen carefully, you can hear them unfolding chairs at the [Television] Hall of Fame for his induction,” Letterman added, signaling that Colbert’s place in television history is secure, regardless of the network’s decision. Letterman’s words carry weight—his tenure as The Late Show’s host laid the groundwork for Colbert’s success, and his support for Colbert’s future beyond CBS is a resounding endorsement.

But what exactly is happening behind the scenes at CBS? According to Letterman, it’s not just about the show’s ratings. The cancellation, he suggests, has more to do with CBS’s ongoing corporate dealings and its attempts to protect itself from political scrutiny. For Letterman, the loss of Colbert is a symptom of a larger issue—a corporate culture more concerned with profits and political influence than with preserving the integrity of its programming.

The Financial Explanation: A Shaky Defense

CBS’s reasoning for The Late Show’s cancellation—that the network was simply “losing too much money” and facing a shifting media landscape—doesn’t seem to hold up under scrutiny. Letterman, with his extensive experience in the industry, doesn’t buy the excuse.

He points out that CBS has been well aware for years that traditional broadcast television has been declining, with viewers shifting towards digital platforms and streaming services. “They know this,” Letterman said of the network’s leadership. “And yet, they continue to act like the same formula is going to work.”

The financial troubles of The Late Show—if they were indeed a factor in the cancellation—are merely a symptom of a much larger problem facing the television industry. The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has fundamentally altered how people consume media, and late-night television has been struggling to keep up. But Letterman’s ire is aimed less at the changing media landscape and more at CBS’s failure to adapt in a way that preserves the shows and voices that matter.

A Reckoning for Corporate Media: The Future of Late-Night TV

The cancellation of The Late Show is more than just a programming decision—it’s a wake-up call for the entire television industry. As the media world grapples with the rise of streaming platforms, on-demand content, and changing viewer habits, traditional networks like CBS are struggling to adapt. But the deeper issue here is one of corporate influence and political maneuvering.

Letterman’s criticism exposes a larger trend in corporate media: the silencing of independent voices, the prioritization of profits over creative integrity, and the increasing blending of politics with entertainment. In Colbert’s case, his political commentary became a lightning rod for corporate pressure, particularly as CBS faced mounting scrutiny over its political connections and business dealings with powerful figures.

What does the future hold for Colbert and for late-night television in general? With Colbert’s contract set to end in May 2026, many are already speculating about his next move. Could he follow in Letterman’s footsteps and carve out a new path, outside the constraints of corporate media? Or will he be forced to rein in his political commentary and bow to corporate pressures in order to continue his career?

Conclusion: A Moment of Truth for CBS and Colbert

David Letterman’s scathing remarks about CBS’s handling of Colbert’s cancellation have sparked an intense debate about the future of late-night TV and the broader issue of media integrity. As the industry faces a changing landscape, one thing is clear—Colbert’s departure from The Late Show is about more than just ratings. It’s about the struggle for control over the narratives that shape our society, and the battle between profit-driven motives and the voices that challenge the status quo.

In the end, Colbert’s legacy will be defined not just by the years he spent on CBS, but by his ability to speak truth to power, even when the powers that be are trying to silence him. And as for CBS? The network may have pulled the plug on The Late Show, but in doing so, they’ve exposed a much larger problem—one that could have lasting consequences for the entire television industry.

The question remains: Will CBS recover from this? Will Colbert find a new platform to continue his work? And will the world of late-night television ever be the same again? Time will tell, but for now, one thing is certain—the future of TV is up for grabs, and the stakes have never been higher.