David Letterman Blasts CBS and Paramount for ‘Lying Weasels’ Behind Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Cancellation

David Letterman didn’t hold back in a scathing interview with The New York Times, published on Tuesday, as he condemned CBS and Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison for canceling Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’.

Letterman dismissed CBS’s claim that financial reasons led to the cancellation, questioning the network’s motives and integrity.

“Then I wondered: What the hell have they done to Stephen?” Letterman said. “And I would say farther down on the list is your point: Wait a minute, this used to be my show. It’s like driving by your old neighborhood and realizing that where you used to live, they’re putting up an adult bookstore.”

“TV may be not the money machine it once was. On the other hand, 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 continued. “He was dumped because the people selling the network to Skydance said, ‘Oh no, there’s not going to be any trouble with that guy. We’re going to take care of the show. We’re just going to throw that into the deal. When will the ink on the check dry?’ I’m just going to go on record as saying: They’re lying … They’re lying weasels.”

Letterman alleged that CBS prioritized cost-cutting over Colbert’s legacy, suggesting the decision was driven by financial negotiations rather than artistic merit.

Byron Allen’s ‘Comics Unleashed’ to Replace ‘The Late Show’

Starting May 22, Byron Allen’s ‘Comics Unleashed’ will take over the 11:30 p.m. timeslot. Letterman previously commented on the change in a podcast, attributing the decision to Allen’s lower price tag compared to other bidders.

“They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money,” Letterman said. “They charge Byron Allen some reasonable price. He sells all the advertising for his ‘Comics Unleashed’ and it’ll be, I think, 90 minutes or two hours of comics talking about funny stuff. The show is a pretty good idea. It’s all panel. Nobody’s doing any stand-up, except they’re seated doing stand-up.”

Despite his criticism of CBS, Letterman praised Allen, acknowledging his success in the industry.

“He’s been wildly more successful than any hundred of us,” Letterman said. “I periodically talk to him, and neither he nor I understand how he became a billionaire. God bless him. To hell with CBS. To hell with Skydance. To hell with the Winslow [Ellison] twins or whoever the hell these guys are. But Byron, he’ll still be providing comedy in that time period. I think that’s a valuable bit of resolution here.”