David Letterman is dissecting CBS’s choice of replacement for Stephen Colbert’s talk show. Letterman, who launched “The Late Show” in 1993 and hosted it for 22 seasons, passed the torch to Colbert.
However, last year, CBS opted to end Colbert’s run, citing financial reasons, with the final episode set for May 22.
Now, as the transition unfolds, Letterman is weighing in on the shake-up and explaining why the network may have made the move.
What David Letterman Thinks About Stephen Colbert’s Replacement
During the April 10 episode of “The Barbara Gaines Show,” Letterman did not hold back as he shared his thoughts on the network’s strategy.
“They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money,” Letterman said on the podcast. “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.”
Letterman remarked on the takeover, noting it’s a “pretty good idea,” as “Nobody’s doing any standup, except they’re seated doing standup.”
As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Byron Allen’s comedy talk show, “Comics Unleashed,” will take over the 11:35 p.m. slot, from May 22, followed by “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:35 a.m.
In Allen’s statement following the network’s choosing his program, he expressed gratitude and noted that the goal behind creating the shows was to give comedians a platform to do what they love most: making people laugh.
How Stephen Colbert Feels About His Exit
With just over a month until his final episode, Colbert has expressed that he is not quite ready to say goodbye.
According to The Blast, during his April 8 broadcast of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” guest Oprah Winfrey asked what he was most willing to “let go of” at this pivotal moment in his career.
Colbert admitted he isn’t there yet. He spoke candidly about his attachment to both his team and his audience, describing that he has a “white-knuckle grip” on the people he has worked with and grown close to over the years.
He also praised his crew’s loyalty before turning to his audience, highlighting their important role in his stint. He called them the “third person” in his interviews and described their interaction during his conversations with guests as “very pure.”
What’s Next For Stephen Colbert?
As Colbert prepares to close the curtain on his late-night run, he’s already stepping into a new creative chapter.
As The Blast reported, the 62-year-old TV personality is set to write the next part of “The Lord Of The Rings,” teaming up with his son, Peter McGee and the series writer Philippa Boyens.
Colbert explained he got his idea to put together the parts from “The Fellowship of the Ring” novel that were omitted from the initial series.
Colbert’s work follows Sam, Merry, and Pippin reuniting to retrace the beginning of their original quest, while Sam’s daughter, Elanor, uncovers a hidden secret that could reveal how the War of the Ring almost failed before it truly began.
David Letterman Defended Seth Meyers Following Pressure From Donald Trump
Colbert’s departure is not the only late-night development Letterman has weighed in on. The veteran host previously spoke out in defense of Seth Meyers following attacks from Donald Trump.
After the U.S. president called for Meyers to be fired, with FCC chairman Brendan Carr appearing to echo that stance, Letterman pushed back publicly.
According to The Blast, Letterman mocked the demand and criticized the administration. He called the government a “wonder of idiocy” and labeled Trump a “dictator” who refuses to leave power.
Letterman Praised Jimmy Kimmel’s Defiance of Trump
While blasting Trump, the 79-year-old former TV star has also commended comedians for standing firm against the government despite the heat.
In a past appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Letterman pointed out to the audience that host Jimmy Kimmel was “the leader of the resistance.”
While Kimmel replied that he was the “totally ineffective leader of the resistance,” which drew laughter from the crowd, Letterman continued with his criticism of Trump.
“If the leader of the free world is a fool, the leader of the free world then should expect and examine every bit of ridicule he receives,” Letterman said, per The Blast.
