David Letterman calls CBS executives ‘lying weasels’ over Colbert exit

David Letterman slams CBS, claims The Late Show cancellation was not about money but bigger corporate decisions

David Letterman has publicly criticised CBS executives over the decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, disputing claims that the move was based on financial concerns.

Speaking in an interview with The New York Times, Letterman accused network leadership of misleading the public, stating that the cancellation was tied to broader corporate decisions rather than declining revenue. He suggested the move may be linked to strategic developments involving CBS parent company Paramount Global and its reported deal with Skydance Media.

Letterman alleged that The Late Show and its host, Stephen Colbert, were treated as part of a larger corporate arrangement rather than as a standalone programme with a dedicated audience. He argued that the explanation citing financial pressures does not fully reflect the reasoning behind the decision.

The late-night franchise has been a staple of CBS programming for more than three decades, originally hosted by Letterman before Colbert took over in 2015. The show is now scheduled to conclude on May 21, marking the end of a long-running era in network late-night television.

Letterman also pointed to shifting industry dynamics, acknowledging that traditional broadcast television faces increasing competition from streaming platforms. However, he emphasised the cultural significance of the show and its connection with viewers, suggesting that such factors should carry weight in programming decisions.

The cancellation has sparked debate across the entertainment industry, with questions raised about the future of late-night television and the influence of corporate strategy on creative programming.