David Letterman, the iconic former host of The Late Show, didn’t hold back when calling out CBS for cancelling Stephen Colbert’s late-night program after its 2025 season. In a cheeky YouTube video, Letterman shared clips from his own years on the show, humorously criticizing CBS and captioning it with the biting phrase: “You can’t spell CBS without BS.” His remarks come just days after Colbert announced his show’s cancellation, sparking debates about CBS’s financial motives.

 

David Letterman Calls Out CBS for Cancelling Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show”

David Letterman, the iconic comedian and former host of The Late Show, has weighed in on CBS’s decision to cancel Stephen Colbert’s successful late-night program after a decade-long run. The 78-year-old humorist, who hosted The Late Show from 1993 to 2015, shared a cheeky video montage on YouTube roasting the network, captioned with the biting phrase: “You can’t spell CBS without BS.”

 

Letterman’s Roasting Tribute to CBS

The video, shared by Letterman on Monday, features clips from his years of hosting The Late Show, spanning from 1994 to 2013. The timing of the video is particularly significant, coming just days after CBS made the controversial announcement about Colbert’s show being canceled after its 2025 season. Letterman, known for his sharp wit, used the montage to poke fun at CBS throughout his career, delivering humor at the network’s expense. His comments have certainly added fuel to the fire of speculation and debate surrounding the cancellation.

David Letterman Takes Aim at CBS After Stephen Colbert's 'Late Night' Cancellation

 

Colbert’s Emotional Response to Cancellation

Stephen Colbert, who has been at the helm of The Late Show since 2015, publicly addressed the cancellation during a taping of his show at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York last Thursday. The comedian shared the news with his audience, who responded with loud boos, as Colbert revealed that next season would be his last.

He reassured his audience, saying, “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.” Despite the emotional moment, Colbert remained upbeat, expressing gratitude for his time hosting the show and for the opportunity to continue for another 10 months.

 

Support from the Comedy Community

The cancellation announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from Colbert’s fellow late-night hosts and other comedy stars. Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jon Oliver, Jon Stewart, and Adam Sandler are just a few of the big names that have publicly expressed their solidarity with Colbert. Many have praised Colbert for his dedication to the show and his ability to handle the situation with grace.

David Letterman gets painfully honest on 'The Late Show' comeback after retirement

 

CBS Cites Financial Reasons for Cancellation

While Colbert’s supporters rally behind him, CBS has cited financial reasons as the primary motive for axing The Late Show. Sources indicate that the network is looking to shift its strategy, possibly focusing on younger, more cost-effective talent or exploring digital-first programming. This has caused some to question the network’s decision, especially given the critical success and strong ratings of Colbert’s program.

 

The Fallout from Colbert’s Critique of CBS’s Deal with Trump

The timing of the cancellation has also raised eyebrows, as it came just days after Colbert sharply criticized a $16 million settlement between Paramount, CBS’s parent company, and the Trump administration. Colbert referred to the deal as a “big fat bribe,” which some have speculated may have played a role in the network’s decision to part ways with him.

 

What’s Next for Colbert and the Late-Night Landscape?

As Colbert prepares for his final months on The Late Show, the future of late-night television remains uncertain. While some speculate about what Colbert’s next move might be, others wonder whether CBS’s decision marks a broader shift in the late-night landscape. With Colbert’s departure, will the network continue to pursue traditional formats, or will they embrace a new direction entirely?

In the meantime, Letterman’s sharp remarks and the growing support for Colbert serve as a reminder of the significant impact late-night television hosts have in shaping the cultural and political discourse in America. As the industry shifts, it seems clear that the legacy of The Late Show will continue to influence the late-night genre for years to come.