David Letterman offered scathing criticism of CBS's new ownership after the network canceled "The Late Show," the program he created and first hosted. Speaking to the New York Times, the late-night legend compared the situation to "driving by your old neighborhood and realizing that where you used to live, they're putting up an adult bookstore." The Ellison family—David Ellison backed by his father Larry—purchased CBS's parent company Paramount Global through Skydance.

Letterman repeatedly referred to the new owners as "the Ellison Twins" (despite there being only one) and dismissed their explanation that the cancellation was purely financial. "They're lying weasels," he said, suggesting the show was simply tossed into the deal without consideration for Stephen Colbert or loyal viewers. CBS maintains the decision was unequivocally financial, citing pressures from digital communication and streaming platforms.

The network is now leasing the time slot to Byron Allen, who will produce "Comics Unleashed" and sell his own advertising. Letterman, who knew Allen as a teenager writing jokes for Jimmie Walker, expressed some satisfaction that comedy will remain in the slot—but maintained his contempt for management. He doubts late-night television survives much longer than a year or two.