Stephen Colbert Bids Farewell to 'The Late Show'

Stephen Colbert hosted his final episode of CBS's "The Late Show" on Thursday night, bringing an end to his 11-year tenure as host. The show, which had been a ratings leader in its time slot, was cancelled by CBS, a decision the network attributed to financial reasons. Colbert opened the final broadcast with a more casual monologue, leaning on his desk as he addressed the studio audience directly, speaking about the joy his tenure had brought him and his team.

"This show, I want you to know, has been a joy for us to do for you," he said, reflecting on the more than 1,800 episodes he had hosted. He also referenced his previous persona from "The Colbert Report," noting that his role on "The Late Show" had been different: "We were here to feel the news with you."

The final episode featured a star-studded line-up, including Paul McCartney, who joined Colbert on stage for a rendition of "Hello, Goodbye," as well as Ryan Reynolds, Bryan Cranston, and others in sketches and tributes. McCartney led an all-star line-up, and the show culminated in a final goodbye with the entire crew as they turned off the lights in the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Colbert also joked about his dream guest, the pope, who he said had "cancelled," blaming a dispute over hot dogs. The pope had long been touted as Colbert's ideal interviewee.

The Cancellation and Its Aftermath

The cancellation of "The Late Show" came after Colbert mocked CBS for its $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. The settlement resolved a lawsuit Trump had filed against CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, which he alleged was deceptively edited. Colbert called the settlement a "big fat bribe" and expressed his disappointment on air, saying, "I am offended … I don't know if anything will repair my trust in this company."

CBS has insisted the decision to cancel the show was purely financial and coincidental with Paramount's merger with Skydance Media. However, many observers, including The Guardian, noted that the cancellation came amid the network's increasing closeness to Trump, whom Colbert regularly criticized. Some viewed the move as an attempt to appease the president, though this claim remains contested.

Donald Trump hailed the end of the show on his Truth Social platform, posting, "Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings," according to France 24.

Tributes and New Ventures

In the days following the final broadcast, tributes poured in from celebrities and politicians. Former President Joe Biden called Colbert "a friend" who "brought wit, heart, and honesty to late night television." Jane Fonda, in a video from her Committee for the First Amendment, praised Colbert for making people laugh and never flinching. Mark Ruffalo said he was "disturbed" by the decision to cancel the show.

David Letterman, whom Colbert succeeded, called the cancellation a "huge mistake" and said, "I think we're losing a valuable perspective."

Just days after leaving CBS, Colbert launched a new YouTube channel that quickly gained over 120,000 subscribers. The channel featured a video of Colbert hosting "Only in Monroe," a public access show in Monroe, Michigan, with guests including Jack White, Jeff Daniels, and Eminem. Colbert joked about being grateful to be on the show "before they also get acquired by Paramount," referencing the company's recent acquisition by Larry and David Ellison, allies of Trump.

Perspectives

  • Colbert and his supporters view the cancellation as a consequence of his criticism of Trump and the settlement, which they see as a bribe. Colbert's new YouTube channel and public access appearance suggest he remains active and unrepentant.
  • CBS and Paramount maintain that the cancellation was a purely financial decision, unrelated to Trump or the settlement. They have not commented on the timing of the merger.
  • Donald Trump celebrated the end of the show, calling Colbert "no talent" and deriding his ratings.