David Letterman recently voiced his strong disapproval regarding CBS's decision to discontinue "The Late Show" franchise after 33 years, opting instead to broadcast Byron Allen's "Comics Unleashed." This programming shift, confirmed earlier this month, will see Stephen Colbert's final "Late Show" episode on May 21st, with Allen's comedy program taking over the 11:35 p.m. ET slot starting May 22nd. Letterman, who originally launched "The Late Show" in 1993 and hosted it for over two decades before Colbert took over in 2015, suggested that the network's primary motivation was financial, stating, "They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money."
Letterman elaborated on his podcast, explaining that CBS would likely charge Byron Allen a reasonable fee, allowing Allen to manage advertising sales for "Comics Unleashed," which would then air for 90 minutes or two hours featuring comedians discussing humorous topics. He described the concept of the show as a "pretty good idea," highlighting its panel format where comedians engage in seated stand-up. "Comics Unleashed" currently airs after Colbert's program, and its promotion to an earlier time slot, along with Allen's "Funny You Should Ask" taking the 12:37 a.m. hour, is part of a time-buy agreement extending through the 2026-2027 television season.
Last summer, when CBS announced the cancellation of "The Late Show" franchise, including Colbert's iteration, it was widely reported as a "financial decision." However, this move raised eyebrows within the industry, prompting questions about potential political implications, especially given Colbert's frequent on-air critiques of Donald Trump and Paramount Global's (CBS's parent company) pursuit of a merger with Skydance at the time. Letterman unequivocally condemned the cancellation in a YouTube video, calling it "pure cowardice" and criticizing how Stephen Colbert, as the network's prominent figure, was treated. His team also posted a 20-minute compilation on his YouTube channel, showcasing instances where he openly criticized or joked about CBS during his tenure, notably captioning it, "You can’t spell CBS without BS."
The shift in late-night programming exemplifies the ever-evolving landscape of television, where financial considerations often influence creative and strategic decisions. While such changes can spark debate and disappointment among loyal viewers and industry figures, they also create opportunities for new formats and voices to emerge, demonstrating the dynamic nature of entertainment and media. It serves as a reminder that adapting to new economic realities while striving for quality content remains a constant challenge in the competitive world of broadcasting.