David Letterman’s Subtle Response to CBS’ Cancellation of The Late Show: A 20-Minute Roast

David Letterman, the legendary late-night host who created the foundation for The Late Show before passing the baton to Stephen Colbert in 2015, has yet to publicly comment on CBS’s shocking decision to cancel The Late Show in 2026. However, Letterman’s feelings about the move are crystal clear thanks to a recently posted 20-minute supercut on his official YouTube channel.

The video is a compilation of moments from Letterman’s 22-year run on The Late Show, showing instances where the host took playful shots at CBS or mocked the network’s decisions. The montage, paired with the caption “You can’t spell CBS without BS,” sends a pointed message—Letterman’s subtle but unmistakable commentary on the network’s recent actions.

A History of Jabs at CBS

The supercut features several memorable moments from Letterman’s tenure where he took aim at CBS’s perceived shortcomings. In one clip from 2007, Letterman criticized the network for barely acknowledging The Late Show in a half-page USA Today ad, remarking that the ad mentioned the show in just a single line.

In another clip, Letterman poked fun at CBS for a major advertising blunder. When CBS listed its People’s Choice Award nominees online, they mistakenly included a photo of Jay Leno, the host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, instead of Letterman. With the audience laughing, Letterman shouted, “He’s not on CBS! I am on CBS!” He followed up with another punchline: “What is the matter with these people? Put Oprah on it. She is the winner. That I would understand.”

The Cancellation Announcement: A Financial or Political Move?

On July 17, 2025, Stephen Colbert made the announcement that CBS would be canceling The Late Show and retiring the entire “Late Show” brand by May 2026. While the network framed the move as a “financial decision” due to the shrinking late-night television landscape, the timing of the announcement raised eyebrows. Colbert’s show, despite a recent dip in ratings, remained CBS’s top-rated late-night program, making the decision seem questionable to many.

Colbert’s vocal criticism of Donald Trump on air and his irreverent political commentary may have added to the suspicion that CBS’s decision was not entirely motivated by finances. Some industry figures have speculated that CBS, which is navigating a crucial $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, may have opted to cut the show to avoid any potential political fallout or backlash from the Trump administration, especially as Paramount Global works to secure regulatory approval for the merger.

Kimmel and Stewart Weigh In: A Growing Media Controversy

The reaction from other late-night hosts was swift and unfiltered. Jimmy Kimmel, the host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, shared a pointed message on Instagram, writing: “Fuck you and all your Sheldons, CBS” in reference to CBS’s over-reliance on formulaic shows like The Big Bang Theory and its failure to protect The Late Show brand.

Late-night veteran Jon Stewart, who hosted The Daily Show for over 16 years, also weighed in, calling CBS’s cancellation a curious move. He said, “The fact that CBS didn’t try to save their number one-rated network late-night franchise that’s been on the air for over three decades is part of what’s making everybody wonder, was this purely financial? Or maybe the path of least resistance for your $8 billion merger was killing a show that you know rankled a fragile and vengeful president, so insecure, suffering terribly from a case of chronic penis insufficiency.”

The Bigger Picture: Media Control and Political Influence

The cancellation of The Late Show has sparked broader concerns about media consolidation and the potential for political influence in shaping content. Letterman’s subtle critique of CBS and his longstanding tensions with the network reflect deeper frustrations within the entertainment industry over corporate control and the erosion of creative freedom.

With the rise of streaming platforms and digital media, traditional late-night television faces increasing pressure to adapt. The question remains whether CBS’s decision is a sign of a larger shift in how networks operate—one that prioritizes corporate interests over maintaining cultural touchstones like late-night television.

What’s Next for Late-Night TV?

While CBS has yet to announce a replacement for Colbert, the future of late-night television remains uncertain. The cancellation marks a turning point in the genre, as audiences increasingly turn to digital content creators and streaming platforms for their entertainment.

For Stephen Colbert, the end of The Late Show may not be the end of his career. Sources close to Colbert suggest that he is already exploring other opportunities, possibly in streaming or digital media. As for CBS, the network is left grappling with its decision to close a chapter in its late-night legacy, leaving fans and industry insiders questioning the future of political satire and unfiltered commentary on mainstream television.

One thing is clear: David Letterman’s subtle roast of CBS is more than just a personal statement; it’s a reflection of the frustrations that many in the entertainment industry feel as corporate and political pressures continue to shape the future of media. Whether CBS will address the criticisms publicly or continue with its current course remains to be seen, but the legacy of The Late Show and Colbert’s era will likely be debated for years to come.

Watch the full supercut from the Letterman team in the video below.