David Letterman publicly criticized CBS and destroyed network property during a final appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 5, 2026 [1].
The incident marks a volatile end to the relationship between one of late-night television's most influential figures and the network that hosted his program for decades. This public confrontation highlights growing tensions over the management and future of the late-night franchise.
Letterman appeared at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City to deliver a defiant farewell [2]. During the broadcast, Letterman said CBS mishandled the late-night brand [3]. The segment escalated when the former host and Colbert began destroying equipment on set.
"We’re literally tossing CBS property off the roof," Colbert said [4].
Letterman, who hosted The Late Show for 23 seasons [5], used the platform to vent his frustrations with network executives. He directed a sharp insult toward the company, calling them "lying weasels" [6].
Reports on the exact length of Letterman's final parting shot vary. Some accounts describe the final remark as six words long [7], while other reports focus on the two-word remark directed at the network [6].
Letterman concluded his appearance with a nod to broadcasting history. "Good night and good luck," Letterman said [8].
“"We’re literally tossing CBS property off the roof."”
This confrontation signals a total breakdown in the relationship between CBS and its former flagship host. By using the current iteration of The Late Show to air grievances and physically destroy property, Letterman has transitioned from a retired legend to an active critic of the network's corporate strategy regarding late-night programming.
