David Letterman, the iconic late-night host, didn’t hold back on his feelings about CBS during a fiery rant this week.
The 78-year-old TV legend, best known for his long-running show Late Night with David Letterman, unleashed his fury on the network he worked for over two decades.
Speaking during an episode of The Barbara Gaines Show, which was uploaded to his YouTube channel on Saturday, Letterman made it clear that he felt the network had lost its way.
Letterman, who retired from hosting Late Night in 2015, accused CBS of letting its once-strong legacy crumble, particularly pointing to what he sees as the network’s lack of journalistic integrity.
His anger seemed to be rooted in the changes made under the new leadership, with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss now overseeing CBS News.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension Sparks Praise from Letterman
Before venting his frustration about CBS, Letterman took a moment to praise Jimmy Kimmel for his handling of a recent suspension.
Kimmel, who was temporarily taken off-air after making controversial remarks about the “MAGA gang” following Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September 2025, was applauded by Letterman for standing his ground.
In a segment that showcased his left-leaning views, Letterman described Kimmel as a “fair critic,” noting that if a Democrat president were behaving like the current Republican president, Kimmel would be just as vocal in his criticism.
He also lauded fellow late-night hosts Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert, calling them voices in a rapidly diminishing landscape.
According to Letterman, “We’re running out of places where you hear these voices,” highlighting the pressures facing late-night comedy shows in today’s politically charged climate.
The Decline of CBS News: Letterman’s Bold Critique
But it was CBS that truly felt the brunt of Letterman’s sharp tongue.
After complimenting his peers, Letterman shifted gears to discuss what he saw as the network’s fall from grace.
With palpable frustration, he said, “What about those idiots at CBS?” His critique didn’t stop at CBS’s leadership; Letterman took direct aim at the state of CBS News, calling it a “wreck.”
Reflecting on CBS’s storied history, Letterman reminisced about the network’s groundbreaking work during World War II, when journalists like Edward R. Murrow were broadcasting live from London rooftops, providing real-time updates about the Blitz.
Murrow, who became a legend for his role in pioneering broadcast journalism, also famously challenged the anti-communist hysteria of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s.
Letterman’s ire was directed at the current management of CBS, claiming that they had trampled on the network’s legacy.
“It was that mentality that drove the integrity of CBS News that has been trampled on, p***ed on, and eviscerated by these idiots that have taken it over,” he raged.
Paramount Skydance Merger Adds Fuel to the Fire
Adding fuel to Letterman’s criticism was the recent merger between Paramount and Skydance Corporation, which brought on CEO David Ellison, the son of billionaire Larry Ellison, a known Trump ally.
This merger seemed to serve as a tipping point for Letterman, who, despite his often biting comments on politics, was deeply critical of the current direction the company was heading.
In fact, just a month prior, former president Donald Trump had taken to Truth Social to criticize CBS News’ treatment of him, particularly the way 60 Minutes had handled his interview.
This public spat seemed to further affirm Letterman’s point that CBS was losing its way under the new corporate leadership.
Bari Weiss Faces Backlash as New Editor-in-Chief
One of the major changes at CBS News that Letterman criticized was the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief.
Weiss, a self-declared political centrist, has made headlines for her outspoken views, but her appointment has raised eyebrows due to her lack of broadcast journalism experience.
Weiss has vowed to serve the American “mainstream,” a group she believes has been underserved by traditional media.
However, her previous career as a controversial opinion journalist has led many to question her suitability for the role.
For Letterman, this was just another example of how CBS had lost its once-proud sense of journalistic integrity.
The Future of CBS Under New Leadership Remains Uncertain
As Letterman’s comments continue to reverberate through media circles, the question of CBS’s future remains uncertain.
Under the leadership of people like Bari Weiss and David Ellison, the network is at a crossroads.
Will CBS return to its roots of bold, investigative journalism, or will it continue down its current path of corporate-driven content?
For David Letterman, one thing is clear: the CBS he once knew is gone, and he’s not afraid to say it.
Whether or not his criticism will have any lasting impact on the network remains to be seen, but his words undoubtedly add to the growing conversation about the changing landscape of American media.
Letterman’s Legacy and the Changing Media Landscape
Despite his critiques, Letterman remains one of the most influential voices in late-night television.
As he watches from the sidelines, it’s clear that the landscape has changed dramatically since he left CBS in 2015.
The question now is whether the industry, and particularly CBS, can adapt to the challenges of a new era, or if they will continue to lose touch with their audience.
Letterman may have left his late-night show behind, but his sharp opinions and unwavering commitment to honesty are still very much alive.
Whether you agree with him or not, there’s no denying that his voice carries weight in the conversation about the future of American television.
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