Letterman Calls Colbert's Cancellation 'Pure Cowardice'

A Bold Critique from David Letterman on CBS’s Decision

Comedian David Letterman has joined a growing list of late-night hosts in expressing strong disapproval over CBS News’ decision to end “The Late Show” after more than three decades. His comments, made during a recorded conversation with his former producers, were filled with both criticism and admiration for the show’s current host, Stephen Colbert.

Letterman referenced a recent $16 million settlement between CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, and the Trump administration, as well as the expected merger with Skydance. He described the decision to cancel the program as “gutless,” suggesting that those involved would eventually face embarrassment for their actions. “I only wish this could happen to me. This would have been so great for me,” he remarked.

Paramount has stated that the move was purely a financial decision and not related to the show's performance or content. However, Letterman, along with other press advocates and some Democrats, remains unconvinced. He pointed fingers at what he calls the “Oracle twins”—billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison—who are set to lead the new Paramount following the FCC’s approval of the Skydance acquisition. The merger is expected to be finalized by August 7.

“There’s no fairness to these goons,” Letterman said. “These guys are bottom feeders. That’s exactly what this is.” He added that the companies are trying to avoid the complexities of dealing with the U.S. government. “They want CBS to take care of all of that mess.”

In addition to criticizing the merger, Letterman also took issue with CBS’s decision to settle with Trump after he sued “60 Minutes” over an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. He called the move “pure cowardice.”

Support for Stephen Colbert

Top names in late-night television, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, and Seth Meyers, have defended Colbert, who has openly voiced concerns about Paramount’s recent decisions. Letterman was no exception. “Now, for Stephen, I love this. He’s a martyr. Good for him, right?” he told his former producers.

He continued with a humorous jab: “Now we’ve all got to kiss Stephen Colbert’s ring now. And if you listen carefully, you can hear them unfolding chairs at the Hall of Fame for his induction, right?”

Colbert, who took over the show from Letterman in 2015, has had a turbulent relationship with former President Donald Trump. Recently, Trump criticized the show’s cancellation, saying, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.”

In response, Colbert quipped, “How dare you, sir. Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism: ‘Go f— yourself.’”

Ongoing Tensions and Future Outlook

The decision to end “The Late Show” has sparked a broader debate about the future of traditional broadcast television and the influence of major entertainment conglomerates. As the merger with Skydance moves forward, questions remain about how this will affect the media landscape and the quality of programming available to audiences.

With high-profile figures like Letterman and Colbert speaking out, the controversy shows no signs of fading. Whether the move will ultimately benefit or harm the network remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the voices of those who have shaped late-night television are not going to be easily silenced.