David Letterman Speaks Out Against CBS' Decision to Cancel "The Late Show"

In a surprise move, David Letterman, the legendary host of late-night television, has come out swinging against CBS' decision to cancel his successor Stephen Colbert's show, "The Late Show." In a video montage posted on social media, Letterman called BS on the network's reasoning for the cancellation.

A History of Rivalries and Bitterness

Letterman's comments are not entirely unexpected. Over the years, he has had a long-standing rivalry with CBS, particularly when it came to his own show. In 2015, after Letterman announced his retirement from "The Late Show," Colbert took over as the host of the program. However, the transition was not without its challenges.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2015, Colbert acknowledged that he had faced resistance from CBS executives who were skeptical about his ability to succeed on the show. Letterman also made a few public comments about Colbert's tenure on the program, which some interpreted as jabs at his former protégé.

CBS' Decision to Cancel "The Late Show"

So what prompted CBS to cancel "The Late Show"? According to reports, the network was experiencing declining ratings and wanted to make way for new programming. However, Letterman is not buying it.

In his video montage, Letterman pokes fun at CBS's supposed reasons for cancelling Colbert's show, saying: "They said 'we're not doing it because we don't like Stephen Colbert.' Oh, really? Well, that's a first." The comedian also questions the network's motives, suggesting that they may be trying to protect their own interests.

Letterman's Take on Colbert's Success

One of Letterman's main criticisms is that CBS has not given Colbert sufficient support. In his video montage, he jokes about how the network has not provided him with enough resources or creative freedom. This criticism comes as no surprise, considering that Colbert has often spoken out about the challenges he faced during his time on "The Late Show."

Despite these challenges, Colbert's show has remained popular, and he has become known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on current events. Letterman seems to acknowledge this, saying: "Stephen is doing a great job…I think."

A Familiar Pattern of Disrespect

Letterman's comments about CBS' decision to cancel "The Late Show" are not the first time he has spoken out against the network. Over the years, he has had several public feuds with CBS executives and colleagues.

One notable example is his long-standing feud with CBS President Leslie Moonves. The two have reportedly clashed on numerous occasions, with Letterman accusing Moonves of being a "bully" and Moonves responding by calling Letterman "ungrateful."

What's Next for Colbert?

While it's unclear what the future holds for Stephen Colbert, he has announced plans to launch his own production company. The company, which will be called Endemol Shine Group USA, will focus on producing content for a range of platforms.

Colbert has also hinted at a possible return to late-night television in the future. In an interview with Variety in 2020, he said: "I'm not done with being on TV. I'll do it again when the time is right."

Conclusion

David Letterman's comments about CBS' decision to cancel "The Late Show" are a clear indication that the veteran comedian still has a strong sense of loyalty and dedication to his former protégé, Stephen Colbert.

While some may see Letterman's comments as petty or vindictive, they also serve as a reminder of the long-standing rivalries and tensions between the two networks. As one can expect, this saga is far from over, and it remains to be seen how events will unfold in the world of late-night television.