Fans protesting the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Thursday appeared to be unaware that the network

"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" (left) and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" (right) Photo illustration by Salon / Bettmann / / Scott Kowalchyk / CBS Once upon a time there was a satirical comedy show that aired on CBS.

David Letterman unloaded on CBS and Skydance on Friday for cancelling “The Late Show,” which he launched 32 years ago, saying the network had mistreated his successor, Stephen Colbert. In an interview posted to his YouTube channel, Letterman said he does not buy the official explanation that the show was cancelled for financial reasons.