David Letterman Weighs In on CBS Late Show Replacement After Cancellation

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CBS surprised viewers in July 2025 by cancelling its show. They announced that Comics Unleashed would take its place several weeks before the final episode aired.

David Letterman, the former host of the late-night talk show now hosted by Stephen Colbert, recently discussed the transition on The Barbara Gaines Show. Letterman hosted The Late Show for over twenty years, starting in 1993, and Colbert has continued the show for another eleven years.

David Letterman Stands With Stephen Colbert

Letterman believes the decision is purely financial. He explained, “They’re cutting costs and looking to profit. They’ll charge Byron Allen a fair price for advertising on his show, Comics Unleashed—around 90 minutes to two hours of stand-up comedy.”

Letterman said he thinks the new show format is a good one. He explained that it’s entirely based on panel discussions, with the comedians essentially performing stand-up while seated.

The former host publicly criticized CBS last July. He posted a 20-minute video on YouTube explaining his issues with the network, and used a pointed caption: “You can’t spell CBS without BS.” The video featured clips of his criticisms of CBS spanning many years.

CBS explained the cancellation was simply a financial choice due to the difficulties of late-night television, and wasn’t connected to the show’s ratings, its content, or anything else happening within the company.

Stephen Colbert announced on his show that The Late Show will be ending, and he won’t be replaced. He’s been a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump during his time hosting the show, and stated that this marks the complete end of the program on CBS.

Comics Unleashed Replaces The Late Show

CBS announced in April 2026 that Stephen Colbert will host his last show on May 21st. The following night, May 22nd, a new comedy series called Comics Unleashed will premiere at 11:35 p.m. This show will feature two 30-minute episodes airing each weekday. Afterwards, at 12:35 a.m., another show produced by Byron Allen, the game show Funny You Should Ask, will begin. All advertising time for both shows will be sold through Allen Media Group.

Byron Allen, founder, chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group, announced that he originally created Comics Unleashed twenty years ago to give comedians a place to perform and bring joy to audiences. He expressed his gratitude to CBS for believing in the show and Funny You Should Ask, stating that the world always needs more laughter.

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2026-04-14 18:52