David Letterman Reacts to the Cancellation of Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show'

In a surprising and nostalgic move, David Letterman, the legendary late-night TV host, shared a video this week that has sent ripples through the comedy world. The video, posted online, features a montage of moments where Letterman famously roasted CBS, the network that once employed him for over two decades. The caption on the video read, "You can't spell CBS without BS," a line that has become a hallmark of Letterman's sharp wit and long-standing relationship with the network.

The timing of the video was no accident. It came in response to the recent news that CBS will be ending Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in May 2026. Colbert, who took over the show from Letterman in 2014, has been a close friend and collaborator with his predecessor. Despite the news, the two have remained on good terms, with Colbert even appearing on Letterman's shows in the past.

While CBS cited financial reasons for the decision, the timing has raised eyebrows. The network is currently in the process of selling its parent company, Paramount, which requires federal approval. Additionally, Colbert's long-standing criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump has not gone unnoticed. Some have speculated that these factors may have played a role in the decision, though CBS has not confirmed this.

The news of the show's cancellation has sparked a wave of support from fellow comedians. Jon Stewart, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Fallon all made appearances as guests on Colbert's show on Monday, showing their solidarity with the host. Colbert himself addressed the news in his monologue, saying, "Some people see this show going away as a sign of something truly dire. While I am a big fan of me, I don't necessarily agree with that statement. Because we here at 'The Late Show' never saw our job as changing anything other than how you felt at the end of the day."

The legacy of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' is one of sharp satire, political commentary, and a unique blend of humor and intelligence. As the show approaches its final months, the comedy world is watching closely, both to see how Colbert will wrap up his tenure and to see what comes next for the late-night landscape in America.

One thing is certain: David Letterman's reaction, while lighthearted, serves as a reminder of the long and complex relationship between late-night hosts and the networks they work for. Whether this marks the end of an era or the beginning of something new remains to be seen, but for now, the comedy world is mourning the loss of a show that has become a cornerstone of American television.

As Colbert continues to make his final appearances, the question on everyone's mind is: What happens next? Will another host take over, or will the show be replaced by something entirely different? Only time will tell, but for now, the message from Letterman is clear — the comedy world has lost a giant, and it's time to say goodbye to a show that has shaped the late-night landscape for over a decade.