David Letterman and Stephen Colbert make fun of CBS furniture in rooftop prank

David Letterman Joins Stephen Colbert in Protest Against CBS

On Thursday, David Letterman returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater to support Stephen Colbert, who was facing cancellation of his late-night show. During a dynamic segment, they mocked CBS’s decision just days before Colbert’s farewell episode. In a show of defiance, the duo hurled a couch, a watermelon, and a wedding cake from the rooftop.

Letterman, the former host of “The Late Show,” joined Colbert in the antics, aiming his ire at the network. When Colbert asked him if he had any words for the audience, Letterman took a moment to scorn CBS, quoting Edward R. Murrow, saying, “Good night, moms, and good luck.”

The audience responded with loud applause as Letterman, who had originally launched “The Late Show” in 1993, expressed his anger about how the series had been treated. “I’m going to get a little pissed here because I have every right to be pissed,” he said, showing his frustration at the network’s handling of the show.

The atmosphere quickly turned into a comedic protest focused on CBS. Letterman raised the question of ownership over the set furniture, prompting staff to bring couches and other items to the roof, where they were tossed onto a CBS logo below. In the spirit of chaos, Letterman also sent Colbert’s desk chair flying, alongside the other items.

The cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” last summer sent shockwaves through the entertainment community. CBS stated that the cancellation was a financial decision, citing losses of $40 million a year. However, the rationale faced skepticism from critics, including Letterman and fellow host Jimmy Kimmel, particularly due to Colbert’s critical comedic style and the looming corporate merger with Paramount Global.

Trump even took to his platform, Truth Social, to comment on Colbert’s canceled appearance, joking that Colbert lacked the ratings talent matching his own. Letterman has consistently critiqued CBS executives for what he perceives as deceptive corporate narratives while dismantling a key program for the network.

Recently, he labeled the executives as “lying weasels” and questioned their economic rationale for firing Colbert, suggesting that they were overlooking the cultural importance of late-night television.

At the Ed Sullivan Theater, Letterman reflected on over three decades of history tied to the venue, filled with nostalgia and anger. He remarked, “This theater, you wouldn’t be here without me, and Stephen wouldn’t be here without me,” emphasizing his role in the legacy of the show. He also lamented that Colbert’s time was abruptly stopped by outside forces.

In his characteristic humor, he imagined the future for other late-night hosts, quipping about the “Jimmy family,” referring to Kimmel and Fallon, and suggesting a breeding program for them. Colbert responded in jest, keeping the mood light amid the bitterness of the moment.

The incident comes as Paramount Skydance completes its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Former Paramount chair Shari Redstone defended the cancellation, claiming that late-night television has become unviable financially. She recognized Colbert’s talent but insisted that they needed to pursue economically viable ventures.

Redstone dismissed the notion that political motivations drove the cancellation, clarifying that decisions had been made months prior to the public announcement.