David Letterman hosted The Late Show for over two decades before Stephen Colbert took over in 2015. His tenure on the show spanned 22 years, during which he became a significant figure in late-night television. Letterman is known for his unique style and humor, which resonated with audiences and helped shape the landscape of late-night programming.
As of May 21, 2026, CBS will air the final episode of The Late Show, marking the end of an era in late-night television. The network has decided to replace Letterman’s long-running program with Comics Unleashed, a show that Letterman himself created 20 years ago. The new show will begin airing on May 22, 2026, at 11:35 p.m. ET, immediately following the last episode of The Late Show.
Letterman has publicly criticized CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show, describing the move as “pure cowardice.” He stated, “They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money,” indicating that the decision was financially motivated. This change comes as CBS aims to cut costs while still providing entertainment to its audience.
Comics Unleashed will feature a format that includes comics discussing humorous topics, with no traditional stand-up routines. Letterman described the show as “a pretty good idea,” highlighting its unique panel format where comics will be seated while engaging in comedic discussions. The show will air alongside another program, Funny You Should Ask, hosted by Byron Allen, which will follow at 12:35 a.m. ET, creating a two-hour block of comedy programming.
Over the years, The Late Show has been a platform for many notable guests and performances. For instance, on April 13, 1982, Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia made a memorable appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, showcasing the show’s ability to attract significant musical talent. The franchise has been a staple of CBS programming for 33 years, and its cancellation signifies a major shift in the network’s late-night offerings.
As the final episode approaches, fans and industry observers are reflecting on Letterman’s contributions to television. His influence on the late-night format and his ability to connect with audiences have left a lasting legacy. The transition to Comics Unleashed represents not only a change in programming but also a shift in the type of comedy that CBS is choosing to promote.
Looking ahead, CBS has secured a time buy deal for Comics Unleashed through the 2026-2027 TV season, indicating a commitment to this new direction. As the network moves forward, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to this change and whether the new programming will resonate as strongly as Letterman’s iconic run.
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