Overview

• David Letterman delivered a scathing YouTube address, calling CBS’s decision to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert “pure cowardice” and “gutless.”
• Letterman rejected CBS’s claim that the show’s reported $40 million annual loss drove the cancellation, noting the network still scheduled ten more months of episodes.
• Letterman linked the axing to CBS’s $16 million settlement with President Trump over a 60 Minutes lawsuit, arguing it signaled undue political influence.
• He suggested that incoming Skydance co-owner David Ellison pressured executives to remove Colbert’s outspoken satire ahead of their $8.4 billion merger with Paramount.
• In a contrasting view, Jay Leno warned that one-sided political humor risks alienating half an audience and urged late-night hosts to seek broader comedic appeal.