David Letterman Criticizes CBS for Cancellation of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'
Introduction
In a recent interview, former host of 'The Late Show', David Letterman, expressed his disappointment with CBS over the cancellation of the show's successor, 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'.
Behind the Scenes
Letterman revealed that he was initially approached by CBS to take over the show after his retirement, but he declined and suggested Colbert for the role. However, he was not informed about the network's decision to change the show's format into a more politically-driven one, which ultimately led to its cancellation.
Despite the show's low ratings, Letterman defended Colbert's talent and humor, saying that he was "never more proud of a show than when Stephen took over". He also criticized CBS for not giving Colbert enough time to find his footing and build his own audience.
The Fallout
Letterman's comments have sparked debate among fans and industry experts, with some agreeing with his sentiments while others believe that the show's cancellation was inevitable due to its declining viewership.
Colbert himself responded to Letterman's comments by thanking him for his support and acknowledging that the show's format change was a "calculated risk" that didn't pay off. He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host the show and his excitement for his future projects.
Despite the controversy, one thing
About the People Mentioned
David Letterman
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.
Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert is a renowned American comedian, actor, and television host. Born on May 13, 1964, he initially gained recognition as a correspondent on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" from 1997 to 2005. During this period, he contributed to the show's numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards wins. One of his notable segments was "This Week in God," where he humorously reported on theological topics. In 2005, Colbert launched "The Colbert Report," a satirical news program that parodied conservative pundits, particularly shows like "The O'Reilly Factor." The show became a huge success, catapulting Colbert to full celebrity status. His appearance at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner further solidified his reputation for sharp political satire. He also authored several best-selling books, including "I Am America (And So Can You)" in 2007. In 2015, Colbert succeeded David Letterman as the host of CBS's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Initially, the show faced challenges in finding its footing, but it eventually rose to the top of the ratings, particularly after Colbert began focusing on political humor related to the Trump administration. He hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017 and has won numerous awards, including nine Primetime Emmy Awards and two Grammy Awards. Colbert continues to be a significant figure in American television, known for his witty commentary and satire. He has also been involved in various other projects, including providing voice work for animated films and co-authoring books. His work has earned him recognition as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2006 and 2012.
About the Organizations Mentioned
CBS
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
