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David Letterman Slams CBS Over Show's Demise
13 Apr
Summary
- The Late Show franchise is set for cancellation in May 2026.
- David Letterman calls the network's decision 'pure cowardice.'
- Financial reasons are cited, but political implications are questioned.
The Late Show franchise, a long-standing staple on CBS, is scheduled to conclude in May 2026. This announcement has drawn sharp criticism from former host David Letterman, who described the network's decision as 'pure cowardice' in a recent video. He argued that Stephen Colbert, the current face of the network, was not treated with the respect he deserved.
While CBS has indicated that financial considerations are driving the cancellation, the timing has fueled speculation. Industry observers are questioning the political motivations behind the decision, particularly in light of Colbert's frequent on-air critiques of Donald Trump. This comes as CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, was reportedly navigating a potential merger with Skydance.
As part of the network's reshuffling, Byron Allen's "Comics Unleashed" is set to take over the 12:37 am slot. Allen will continue to lease this hour, which will feature panel discussions with comedians, through the 2026-2027 television season. David Letterman, who originally launched "The Late Show" in 1993 and hosted for 22 years, has been a vocal critic of the network's actions.
