The final episode of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ aired on Thursday, 21 May, marking the end of an era for the popular late-night talk show. Colbert, known for his witty commentary and engaging interviews, concluded his run with a memorable and star-studded affair that kept fans enthralled until the very last moment.
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In a typical showcase of his comedic flair, Colbert opened the show by lampooning current events in his opening monologue. However, the mood shifted dramatically when actor Bryan Cranston unexpectedly interrupted him. Cranston expressed his dismay when informed that due to a packed guest list, he would not be able to take the stage. In a humorous fit of mock outrage, the actor stormed out of the theatre, tossing his Late Show hat into the audience.
Shortly afterwards, fellow actor Paul Rudd made a comedic appearance, revealing he was prepared to bestow upon Colbert a quirky retirement gift: a bundle of six bananas. Tim Meadows, seated nearby, was also keen to join the fray, expressing his desire to appear on the show. Comedian Tig Notaro made a light-hearted remark from the audience, indicating her preference for being an observer at what she described as “historic events.”
As the episode progressed, a surprise visit from Ryan Reynolds added to the hilarity, as he presented bananas to Colbert’s band’s keyboard player, reinforcing the episode’s playful atmosphere. Colbert himself joked about a much-anticipated guest, Pope Leo XIV, who he claimed had declined attendance due to less-than-ideal hot dogs.
The show reached its emotional peak when Paul McCartney appeared as Colbert’s final guest. The legendary musician presented Colbert with a framed colour photograph of The Beatles’ iconic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, a historic moment that took place in the same theatre where ‘The Late Show’ was filmed. This poignant gesture served as a fitting tribute, linking the past and present of television history.
Colbert has helmed ‘The Late Show’ since 2015, taking over from David Letterman. In a heartfelt announcement made earlier in July, he revealed the show would be cancelled after 30 years on CBS, citing that the decision was “purely a financial one.” During the farewell show, Colbert expressed immense gratitude to the crew, acknowledging the talented 200 individuals who worked alongside him. “I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here,” he stated. “We get to do this show for each other every day, all day, and I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years.”
The cancellation decision closely followed Colbert’s critical comments regarding CBS’s parent company, Paramount, particularly over a financial settlement linked to controversial claims made by former President Donald Trump.
In his final week, Colbert dazzled audiences with appearances from a host of celebrity guests, including his former colleague Jon Stewart, film director Steven Spielberg, musician Bruce Springsteen, and artistic innovator David Byrne. The guest roster reflected Colbert’s long-standing connections in the entertainment industry and his ability to attract formidable talents to the show.
Ahead of his last episode, Colbert shared his hopes that his farewell would leave viewers with a sense of joy and comfort. He remarked, “I hope they laughed. I hope they felt better at the end of the day.” He recognised the significance of the late-night slot, emphasising the role of his show in rounding off the long day for his audience.
As he stepped away from the show after an exhilarating ride, Colbert reflected on the demanding nature of his work, comparing it to “a flaming toboggan ride” and noting the focus required to end each show on a high note. Looking to the future, he indicated that he wanted to finish his final run first before considering what might come next, stating, “So we’ll land this plane and we’ll check out the view from there.”
The departure of Stephen Colbert from ‘The Late Show’ signals the conclusion of a vibrant chapter in late-night television, leaving a legacy intertwined with laughter and insightful commentary. Fans will undoubtedly remember the show for its sharp wit and thoughtful engagement with the world around us.