David Letterman Criticizes CBS Over Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' Cancellation

David Letterman publicly criticized CBS executives in a New York Times interview, rejecting the network's claim that Colbert's 'Late Show' cancellation was purely financial. Letterman tied the cancellation to Skydance merger negotiations and openly questioned the network's stated rationale.

Why post about this

The original 'Late Show' host calling BS on his own network's cover story is the rare media-industry moment that translates to mainstream outrage. It reframes the Colbert cancellation from a budget cut into a corporate-political story, and Letterman's authority makes it impossible to dismiss.

Suggested angle

Letterman as the credibility hammer — when the founder of the franchise says the official explanation is a lie, the Skydance-merger angle becomes the actual story.

Expert consensus

Media analysts have flagged the Skydance merger as a likely pressure point on CBS programming since the deal was announced; Letterman is voicing what insiders have whispered.

Platform angles

Facebook_page · Single image with opinion-driven caption · David Letterman just did something almost no TV legend does: he publicly called his own network liars. CBS says they're canceling Colbert's Late Show for 'budget reasons.' Letterman — the guy who CREATED the Late Show franchise — says that's complete BS and the real reason is the Skydance merger. When the franchise founder torches the official story, you know something deeper is happening. · #LateShow #CBS

Linkedin · Text-only post with structured breakdown · David Letterman just called out CBS for lying about why they're ending Colbert's Late Show. The network said 'budget cuts.' Letterman said 'the Skydance merger.' This is the media consolidation playbook in real time: → Acquire valuable IP → Cite financial pressure → Gut editorial independence → Blame market conditions When the creator of the franchise publicly contradicts corporate PR, you're watching how M&A deals actually work. · #MediaConsolidation #CorporateStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #EditorialIndependence

Tiktok · Short vertical video (30-45s) — split-screen or quick cuts between Letterman's quotes and CBS's official statement, ending with text overlay: 'The real reason: Skydance merger.' Bonus: duet/stitch opportunity if entertainment creators react. · Letterman just torched CBS for lying about why they canceled Colbert and the receipts are DAMNING · #DavidLetterman #StephenColbert #LateShow #MediaTea #CorporateLies

Youtube · Long-form video with timestamped breakdown: Letterman's quotes → CBS's official statement → Skydance merger timeline → what insiders are saying. · Letterman just called out CBS for lying about why they canceled Colbert's Late Show · #DavidLetterman #StephenColbert #LateShow #CBS #MediaIndustry

X · Quote tweet thread (3 tweets: hook + Letterman quote + merger context) · Letterman just torched CBS's official explanation for canceling Colbert. When the guy who *built* the Late Show franchise calls bullshit, you listen. 🧵 · #LateShow #Colbert

Bluesky · thread · Letterman just said CBS is lying about why they canceled Colbert. When the guy who made the Late Show what it is calls BS on his own network, you know something deeper is happening here. · #LateShow #Letterman #MediaIndustry

Mastodon · Thread (2-3 posts with CW on first post) · CW: media industry, corporate consolidation Letterman just torched CBS's official story on the Colbert cancellation. When the guy who built the Late Show franchise says the budget explanation is BS, you listen. This isn't about money—it's about Skydance wanting a clean slate for the merger. · #MediaConsolidation #LateShow #CorporateAccountability #SkydanceMerger #Letterman

Original source: New York Times