David Lettermanis slamming CBS as “gutless”overThe Late Show With Stephen Colbertcancellation, but also reveals one surprising silver lining for Stephen Colbert’s future.David Letterman hostedThe Late Showfor over two decades, becoming one of late-night television’s most iconic figures.
Known for his sharp wit and influential interviews,Letterman built a loyal fanbaseand helped shape the format of modern talk shows. His legacy remains a cornerstone of American late-night entertainment history.
In 2015, Letterman passed the mantle ofThe Late Showto Stephen Colbert, believing Colbert’s intelligence and humor would keep the show thriving. Colbert brought a political edge and cultural commentary to the series, creating a unique identity. However,in 2025, CBS confirmedThe Late Show’s cancellation, ending its historic run.
Letterman is revealing why he is not happy with Colbert’sThe Late Showbeing canceled.
Lettermanwas recently interviewed by his former executive producer,Barbara Gaines, for a YouTube video on his channel. He exclaimed, “This is pure cowardice,” and questioned CBS’s claim that the decision to cancelThe Late Showwas“purely financial.”Referring to the network’s statement about the show losing money, David added, “They’ve given [Colbert] another 10 months, that’s another huge chunk of money they’re gonna lose, according to them.”
Letterman criticized CBS’s handling ofThe Late Showcancellation, suggesting the financial explanation didn’t add up.“I bet they were losing this money a month ago or six weeks ago.Or they were never losing that kind of money,” he said, adding that Colbert wasn’t treated the way he deserved.
“This is gutless.”
Letterman did acknowledge a silver lining in the situation for Colbert. “For Stephen, I love this, because he gets to be a martyr.” However, Letterman foresaw a difficult road ahead for the CBS executives who decided to cancelThe Late Show. He believed that, eventually, they would feel embarrassed by how they handled it, calling their actions “gutless” and criticizing the way they manipulated the situation behind the scenes.
What Letterman Calling Colbert A “Martyr” Amid Show Cancelation Means
Why David Letterman Thinks Stephen Colbert Was Wronged By CBS
CBS’s decision to cancelThe Late Showmarked the end of an era in late-night television. While no official replacement has been named, the move shocked viewers and industry insiders alike,especially given the show’s cultural relevanceand Colbert’s standing as one of the most recognizable hosts on TV.
Letterman, referring to Colbert as a “martyr” following the cancellation, is him appreciating thatColbert had dedicated himself fullyto the show and the network. According to Letterman, Colbert’s loyalty and hard work made him a symbol of sacrifice, undeservingly caught in the fallout of corporate decisions that are beyond his control.
By calling Colbert a martyr, Letterman is suggesting that the host had been wronged despite doing everything right. It was a strong show of support and a sharp critique of CBS, implyingColbert’s exit wasn’t due to failure, but rather a lack of proper appreciation from the network.
Our Take On Letterman Calling CBS “Gutless” For Canceling The Late Show
Letterman’s Remark Reveals How Networks Treat Their Stars
Letterman’s blunt criticism of CBS exposesdeeper frustrations within the industryabout how networks handle talent and legacy shows. Calling CBS“gutless”for cancelingThe Late Show With Stephen Colbertpoints out the gap between business choices and loyalty to creators, showing that networks need to rethink how they value their stars beyond just making money.
