David Letterman Calls CBS Cancellation of Late Show a Huge Mistake

David Letterman said the cancellation of The Late Show on CBS is a huge mistake and a loss for American culture. The former host spoke with TODAY co-anchor Craig Melvin on May 21, 2026. Letterman hosted the program from 1993 until 2015.

CBS announced the cancellation in July 2025.

The final episode with Stephen Colbert airs Thursday. The network said the decision was purely financial. The show will be replaced by Comics Unleashed hosted by Byron Allen.

"Kind of makes me sad," Letterman said. " "And without that, I think we're losing a valuable perspective. I think it's very, very important to the American culture," he added. Letterman also appeared on The Late Show with Colbert on April 15 and said a person's voice cannot be taken away.

Letterman spoke with Melvin at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is promoting heart valve screenings for adults 65 and older through the Stay in the Race campaign. Letterman had quintuple bypass surgery in 2000. He said he feels great and supports early detection efforts.