The legendary talk show host, who helmed the program for over two decades (1993–2015), fired off what fans are calling a “mic-drop moment” this week—without even uttering a word. Instead, Letterman uploaded a video montage to YouTube on Monday showcasing his most savage roasts of CBS throughout his career.
But the real kicker? His biting caption:
“You can’t spell CBS without BS.”
The four-second jab sent social media into overdrive, with fans interpreting it as a not-so-subtle dig at the Tiffany Network and a show of solidarity with his successor, Stephen Colbert.
???? A Network in Crisis?
Letterman’s move comes days after CBS confirmed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be ending its run, sparking a firestorm of speculation.
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While CBS offered no official reason for the decision, insiders believe it’s connected to Colbert’s recent scathing monologue about former President Donald Trump.
In that monologue, Colbert criticized Paramount Global’s controversial settlement with Trump, calling it:
“A big, fat bribe.”
And on Monday night’s broadcast, Colbert stunned viewers when he stared directly into the camera and said:
????️ “Go f** yourself, Donald.”*
The timing of the cancellation, combined with Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media (which still requires FCC approval), has left many wondering if political pressure played a role.
???? Letterman’s Legacy Lives On
In the newly posted montage, Letterman’s signature sarcasm and irreverence take center stage. Clips from episodes spanning 1994 to 2013 show him taking playful yet pointed swipes at CBS executives, programming decisions, and network politics.
Fans flooded the comments section of Letterman’s YouTube post:
- “Even retired, Dave’s still the King of Late Night.”
- “This is shade at its finest. Colbert must be smiling.”
One user wrote what many were thinking:
“Letterman just told CBS exactly what we’re all thinking—with class AND receipts.”
???? Did Trump Influence the Cancellation?
Colbert’s blunt commentary on Trump reportedly ruffled feathers in high places. Media analysts point to the network’s delicate position as Paramount attempts to finalize its high-stakes merger—an approval process that could face hurdles if Trump regains influence over the FCC.
???? “It’s hard not to connect the dots here,” one insider told TPR. “Colbert went after Trump hard, and suddenly CBS is cleaning house.”
???? Fans Rally Behind Colbert & Letterman
The news of The Late Show ending has sparked outrage across social platforms, with hashtags like #StandWithColbert and #CBSisBS trending worldwide.
????️ “We lost Jon Stewart. We’re losing Colbert. Who’s next?” one fan lamented on X (formerly Twitter).
As for Letterman, this isn’t the first time he’s thrown shade at his former network, but the timing of this latest salvo feels particularly deliberate.
???? What’s Next for Late Night?
With Colbert out, speculation is swirling about the future of CBS’s late-night lineup. Will the network retreat from political commentary altogether? Or will it attempt to woo a younger, edgier host to fill the void?
???? Do you think David Letterman’s roast of CBS was justified? And was Colbert’s cancellation politically motivated? Drop your take in the comments below!
