David Letterman

This is a big moment in our democracy, and we must all stand up for the principles of free expression.

— Seth Meyers discussing the importance of free expression in the context of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.

I think one day, if not today, the people at CBS who have manipulated and handled this are going to be embarrassed because this is gutless.

— David Letterman on CBS's decision to cancel 'The Late Show'.

You can't spell CBS without B.S.

— David Letterman shared this in response to CBS's decision to end the 'Late Show.'

Yeah, I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.

— Stephen Colbert, addressing the audience at the Ed Sullivan Theater during the July 17 taping of The Late Show

It’s terrible, terrible news for the world of comedy.

— John Oliver on the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

How dare you? How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following witticism? Go f*ck yourself.

— Stephen Colbert responding to Donald Trump after the cancellation announcement of The Late Show.

I understand the fear that you and your advertisers have with $8 billion at stake. But understand this, truly, the shows that you now seek to cancel, censor, and control, a not insignificant portion of that $8 billion value came from those [expletive] shows.

— Jon Stewart speaking about CBS's decision to cancel Stephen Colbert's show.

If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better.

— Democratic Senator Adam Schiff spoke out after the announcement of The Late Show's cancellation.

I regret it, I’ll never do it again. I’m so sorry.

— Joaquin Phoenix, discussing his infamous 2009 interview with David Letterman during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert