David Letterman doubts late-night television has much future
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 5
David Letterman doubts late-night television has much future
13 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 5
In a New York Times interview, the 79-year-old said he was shocked by CBS cancelling The Late Show, whose final episode airs on 21 May after 33 years.
Letterman said Colbert, staff and viewers deserved better, and rejected CBS's claim that the move was purely financial amid industry-wide pressure from streaming and weaker advertising.
He suggested the decision was tied to Paramount's merger with Skydance and Colbert's criticism of Donald Trump, while CBS reiterated through a spokesperson that the cancellation was unequivocally financial.
As corporate deals reshape the media landscape, what is the future for outspoken hosts on major networks?
Is the end of a 33-year television franchise a sign of changing viewer tastes or mounting external pressures?