David Letterman calls CBS decision to end 'The Late Show' a 'huge mistake'
WASHINGTON, DC: Veteran television host David Letterman has criticized CBS for canceling 'The Late Show', calling the move a “huge mistake” and warning that America is losing an important cultural institution with the end of the iconic program.
Letterman made the remarks during an interview with 'TODAY' co-anchor Craig Melvin ahead of the final episode hosted by Stephen Colbert, which airs Thursday, May 21. The show is ending after a 33-year run on CBS.
David Letterman says late-night TV offered vital public perspective
The 79-year-old comedian and broadcaster, who launched 'The Late Show' in 1993 and hosted it until 2015, reflected on the role late-night television has historically played in shaping public conversation in the United States. “Kind of makes me sad,” Letterman said.
“We always relied on, you would read the newspaper in the morning, and at night you would see Johnny Carson. And Johnny would give you a perspective whether you agreed with it or not, but it was always funny,” he said.
Letterman said such programs provided audiences with a blend of humour and commentary that helped frame political and cultural debates.
“And without that, I think we’re losing a valuable perspective,” he added. “I think it’s very, very important to the American culture.”
CBS maintains decision was based on financial reasons
Colbert announced in July 2025 that CBS would discontinue the show, surprising many viewers and industry observers. In a joint statement, Paramount Global and CBS said the “agonizing decision” was “purely a financial” one and unrelated to the program’s performance or editorial content.
The cancellation drew additional attention because it came shortly after Colbert criticized CBS over its reported $16 million settlement with the White House regarding a '60 Minutes' interview involving then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
During a monologue on 'The Late Show', Colbert had described the settlement as a “big, fat bribe,” fuelling speculation online about whether politics played a role in the network’s decision. CBS has denied any such connection.
The late-night slot will reportedly be replaced by 'Comics Unleashed' hosted by Byron Allen.
Stephen Colbert's exit sparks debate over future of political comedy
Letterman has repeatedly defended Colbert since the cancellation announcement. During an appearance on 'The Late Show' earlier this year, he offered words of encouragement to the outgoing host.
“As we all understand, you can take a man’s show, you can’t take a man’s voice,” Letterman told Colbert. “So that’s the good news.”
The cancellation has triggered broader debate in the entertainment industry about the future of politically driven late-night comedy, particularly as television networks face declining advertising revenue and changing viewer habits in the streaming era.
