David Letterman Slams 'Lying Weasels' Over Stephen Colbert's Late Show Cancellation

Key facts

• David Letterman called those who cancelled Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' 'lying weasels'.
• Letterman expressed disbelief at CBS's stated financial reasons for cancelling the show.
• A CBS spokesperson stated the cancellation was 'unequivocally a financial decision'.
• Colbert had criticized Paramount for a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump.
• The final episode of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' airs on May 21.
• Letterman predicts late-night television may not last more than 'a year or so'.
• Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed' will replace 'The Late Show' on CBS.

A Host's Outrage Over a Show's Demise

David Letterman, the venerable former host of "The Late Show," has unleashed a torrent of criticism against CBS and the new ownership for the abrupt cancellation of Stephen Colbert's iteration of the program. Speaking with The New York Times, the 79-year-old did not pull his punches, labelling the decision-makers "lying weasels" and expressing profound disbelief at the official explanation. Letterman, who handed the reins to Colbert in 2015 after a 22-year tenure, suggested that the stated financial motivations behind the show's demise did not align with his understanding of the situation. "I'm just going to go on record as saying: They're lying," Letterman declared to journalist Jason Zinoman. He posited that Colbert "was dumped because the people selling the network to Skydance said, 'Oh no, there's not going to be any trouble with that guy.'" This assertion directly challenges the network's narrative, hinting at a potential undercurrent of executive apprehension regarding Colbert's outspoken nature. A CBS spokesperson, however, was quick to counter Letterman's claims, telling The Times that the cancellation was "unequivocally a financial decision." This official statement reiterates the company line amidst a period of significant corporate transition, as Paramount Global was undergoing a merger with Skydance Media, a deal requiring approval from the Trump administration.

Colbert's Criticisms and Corporate Undercurrents

The timing of "The Late Show's" cancellation has also drawn scrutiny, occurring shortly after Stephen Colbert himself took a public stance against Paramount. The host had vocally criticized the company for agreeing to a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump. This settlement followed a defamation lawsuit initiated by the former president, stemming from a "60 Minutes" interview on CBS featuring Kamala Harris, a political rival to Trump in the upcoming presidential election. Colbert had characterized the settlement on his program as a "big fat bribe." In his own recent interview with The New York Times, Colbert acknowledged the public's potential skepticism regarding the purely financial nature of the cancellation. "It's possible that two things can be true," he stated, alluding to the complex interplay of financial pressures and other factors. He elaborated on the challenges facing television, citing the impact of streaming platforms and digital competition, while also noting the network's eagerness to extend his contract less than two years prior to the cancellation announcement. Colbert's show, which began its run under his hosting in 2015, has been a consistent voice in late-night commentary, often engaging with political and cultural issues. The final episode is slated to air on May 21, marking the end of an era for the program, which has been a staple for many viewers seeking a nightly dose of humor and commentary.

A Grim Prognosis for Late-Night Television

Beyond the specifics of Colbert's cancellation, David Letterman articulated a broader, more somber prediction for the future of the late-night television format itself. He expressed concern that "The Late Show" might be the first in a series of cancellations, suggesting the genre is facing an existential threat. "I would be surprised if it lasts more than a year or so," Letterman remarked, though he quickly qualified this by acknowledging the format's enduring appeal. "But it's such an easy soothing format that it's got to stay on," he added. When pressed further on whether he truly believed late-night television would cease to exist within the next year, Letterman tempered his forecast, suggesting that perhaps "specific shows" would disappear rather than the entire genre. He maintained that the core appeal of late-night programming was too fundamental to vanish entirely. Letterman's views echo sentiments expressed by other figures in the industry. Conan O'Brien, another prominent former late-night host, has also voiced a pessimistic outlook, predicting in a speech last year that "Late-night television, as we have known it since around 1950, is going to disappear." However, like Letterman, O'Brien also conceded that the voices and perspectives characteristic of the format would likely persist in new forms.

The Succession Plan and Lingering Questions

Following the conclusion of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," CBS has announced its intention to fill the 11:30 p.m. time slot with Byron Allen's syndicated program, "Comics Unleashed." This decision marks a significant shift in the network's programming strategy for a historically prominent slot. Stephen Colbert himself has not yet detailed his specific future plans. However, he has been announced as a collaborator on a new film within the "Lord of the Rings" franchise, working alongside his screenwriter son. This venture suggests a pivot towards different creative avenues beyond his long-running television show. Letterman, in his interview, also touched upon the human element of the decision, questioning the impact on Colbert, his staff, and the loyal audience. "What about the humanity for Stephen and the humanity of people who love him, and the humanity for people who still enjoyed that 11.30 respite?" he asked, highlighting the personal toll such corporate decisions can exact. The controversy surrounding the cancellation, fueled by Letterman's strong remarks and Colbert's own criticisms, leaves a cloud of unanswered questions about the true motivations behind the end of an era in late-night television.

The bottom line

• David Letterman has publicly accused CBS executives of lying about the reasons for cancelling Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show'.
• Letterman believes Colbert was removed due to concerns about his outspokenness, not solely financial issues.
• CBS maintains that the cancellation was a 'purely financial decision' amid corporate restructuring.
• Colbert had recently criticized Paramount for a settlement with Donald Trump, a move that may have created friction.
• Letterman and Conan O'Brien have both expressed pessimism about the long-term survival of the traditional late-night television format.
• Stephen Colbert's final 'Late Show' episode airs on May 21, with 'Comics Unleashed' set to take over the time slot.