In a time when late-night television is rapidly evolving and becoming more uncertain, one familiar face from the past has stepped into the spotlight to defend a fellow host.
David Letterman, known for his iconic run on The Late Show, didn’t stay quiet when news broke that Stephen Colbert’s version of the show would be canceled.
Using his personal YouTube page as a platform, Letterman made his feelings crystal clear—with both humor and sharp criticism.
Letterman’s Not-So-Subtle Message to CBS
The 78-year-old comedy veteran shared a 20-minute video montage filled with biting jokes about CBS, the very network he was loyal to for over two decades.
Accompanying the video was a stinging caption: “You can’t spell CBS without BS.”
The compilation featured clips from 1994 to 2013, showing that Letterman has been poking fun at the network long before this controversy erupted.
While he didn’t mention Colbert directly in the video, the timing and content made it clear—this was Letterman’s way of standing in solidarity with his successor, all while publicly criticizing the network’s recent decision.
Colbert Comes Back Swinging
Just days after CBS confirmed the cancellation, Colbert returned to The Late Show with his trademark mix of sarcasm and sincerity.
Greeted by a roaring audience, he wasted no time diving into the topic.
“Cancel culture’s gone way too far,” he quipped, before digging into the timing of the network’s announcement—coincidentally following his sharp critique of Paramount’s $16 million legal settlement with Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview.
CBS Says It’s All About the Money—But Is It?
CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, tried to brush off speculation by saying the cancellation was a purely financial move—not tied to ratings, content, or recent controversies.
According to them, Colbert’s show remains beloved, which made the decision all the more painful.
However, Colbert wasn’t convinced.
“How can it be just about money,” he asked, “if we’re the number one show in the ratings?”
He added a sarcastic jab: “That’s what my staff’s parents and spouses are wondering, too.”
The Trump Factor and Colbert’s Sharp Response
Donald Trump had taken a jab at Colbert on social media, calling him “untalented.”
Colbert, never one to back down from a challenge, fired back with a tongue-in-cheek response.
He delivered a satirical monologue culminating in a censored “F*** you,” directed squarely at Trump, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
As he pointed out the absurdity of the finances involved, he mocked the reported $40–$50 million yearly loss, joking, “I could see us losing $24 million—but where’s the rest going? Oh, yeah.”
The implication hung in the air.
Friends Rally Around Colbert
Colbert’s return show took on a celebratory tone despite the circumstances.
He welcomed Lin-Manuel Miranda and “Weird Al” Yankovic to perform Viva La Vida, and the camera panned to a star-studded audience—Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, John Oliver, Anderson Cooper, Adam Sandler, and Andy Cohen were all in the crowd showing support.
The message was loud and clear: Colbert may be losing his platform, but he isn’t losing his peers—or his voice.
Jon Stewart Weighs In
Over at The Daily Show, Jon Stewart didn’t hold back either.
Speaking passionately in defense of Colbert, his long-time friend and collaborator, Stewart criticized the decision and its implications.
“This is not the moment to give in,” he warned, clearly referencing the broader trend of media companies caving under political pressure.
“I’m not giving in. I’m not going anywhere. I think.”
A Heartfelt Goodbye—But Not a Farewell
Despite all the chaos, Colbert took a moment to speak sincerely to his audience and supporters.
He downplayed the idea that his show ending marked a dangerous turning point, but he did acknowledge its emotional weight.
“We never saw our job as changing the world,” he said.
“Just how you felt at the end of the day—or the next morning, if you watched us on your phone. Which is part of why broadcast TV is dying.”
What Comes Next?
As late-night continues to face uncertain times, one thing is clear: Stephen Colbert won’t be going quietly.
Backed by friends, fans, and legends like Letterman, he’s making it known that his voice—and his humor—aren’t going anywhere.
Whether he transitions to streaming, podcasting, or another media platform, the final chapter of Colbert’s influence on American comedy hasn’t been written yet.