David Letterman Speaks Out About CBS' Decision to Cancel The Late Show
Introduction
After 33 years of hosting The Late Show, David Letterman has finally spoken out about CBS' decision to cancel the iconic late-night talk show. In an interview with Deadline, Letterman didn't hold back in expressing his disappointment and frustration with the network's decision, calling it "gutless" and "pure cowardice." While CBS has not given a specific reason for the cancelation, many speculate that it may be due to declining ratings and the increasing competition in the late-night landscape.
Behind the Scenes
During the interview, Letterman revealed that he was not given any advanced notice about the cancelation and found out about it through the media, just like everyone else. He also shared that he had plans to continue hosting the show for at least another year, but was never given the opportunity to do so. This sudden end to his long-running show has left him feeling disappointed and betrayed by the network.
Legacy and Influence
Letterman's criticism of CBS' decision is not surprising, considering the immense success he brought to the network. The Late Show was consistently one of the highest-rated late-night shows and has influenced countless other talk shows that have followed. Letterman's comedic style and unique interviews have left a lasting impact on the late-night landscape, making his departure all the more bittersweet for fans and colleagues alike.
David Letterman is a renowned American television host, comedian, writer, producer, and auto racing team owner. Born on April 12, 1947, he began his career in broadcasting as a weekend weatherman in Indianapolis, Indiana, before transitioning into comedy writing and stand-up routines in Los Angeles. His breakthrough came with appearances on shows like "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," which led to his own late-night talk show, "Late Night with David Letterman," debuting on NBC in 1982.
Letterman's unconventional humor and irreverent style made him a standout in late-night television. In 1993, he moved to CBS to host "The Late Show with David Letterman," following NBC's decision to choose Jay Leno as Carson's successor. During his tenure at CBS, Letterman established iconic segments like "Stupid Pet Tricks" and the "Top 10 List," which became staples of his show. He also produced several successful TV series, including "Everybody Loves Raymond," through his production company, Worldwide Pants.
Throughout his career, Letterman has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Emmy nominations and wins, two American Comedy Awards, and a Peabody Award. He was honored with the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence in 2011. Letterman's influence extends beyond his own shows, with many late-night hosts, including Conan O'Brien and Stephen Colbert, citing him as an inspiration.
After retiring from "The Late Show" in May 2015, Letterman has continued to be involved in television. Since 2018, he has hosted the Netflix series "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman," where he engages in in-depth conversations with notable figures. Despite his retirement from traditional late-night television, Letterman remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his unique comedic style and enduring influence on contemporary television. CBS, originally founded in 1927 as the Columbia Broadcasting System, is a major American media company known primarily for its commercial broadcasting, television production, and publishing activities. It began as a radio network established by talent agent Arthur Judson but was soon acquired by William S. Paley, who transformed it into a dominant force in radio by leveraging advertising revenue through large audiences[1][5].
CBS expanded into television early, launching experimental broadcasts in 1931 and pioneering the first color TV broadcast in 1940 from its Chrysler Building transmitter in New York City[1][2]. The network became a leader in television entertainment and news through the mid-20th century, with iconic programs and personalities such as Ed Sullivan, Lucille Ball, and Walter Cronkite contributing to its popularity[3]. CBS also innovated in network news with the Columbia News Service, led by Edward R. Murrow, which established its reputation for serious journalism in the 1930s and 1940s[2].
Throughout its history, CBS diversified into related sectors like recording (Columbia Records) and publishing but eventually refocused on broadcasting and entertainment. It underwent several corporate transformations, including a merger with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1995, adoption of the CBS Corporation name, and acquisition by Viacom in 2000. After splitting from Viacom in 2005 and operating independently, CBS re-merged with Viacom in 2019 to form ViacomCBS, which was renamed Paramount Global in 2022. In 2025, CBS became the flagship network of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation following an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media[3][4].
Today, CBS remains a key player in American media, known for its broad programming reach, influential news division, and historical significance in radio and television innovation. Its long-standing presence and adaptability in business and technology make it a cornerstone of the broadcasting industry. CBS’s leadership under President and CEO George Che Discover related stories and their connections to this article Explore connected events with detailed insights and relationships Key entities mentioned across connected events Discover patterns and trends across related storiesAbout the People Mentioned
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