The renowned late-night television programme, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” concluded its run on March 21, marking the end of a significant era in American entertainment. In a heartfelt farewell, the show was graced by appearances from numerous celebrities, including the likes of Paul McCartney, Bryan Cranston, and Ryan Reynolds, who shared their fond tributes to Colbert, reflecting on his eleven-year tenure as host.
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Colbert, aged 62, returned to social media recently to mark a personal occasion—the seventh birthday of his beloved dog, Benny. The post, published on July 19, showcased a delightful image of his dark brown Boykin Spaniel lounging comfortably on a couch. Accompanying the photo was a simple yet affectionate message: “Happy 7th birthday, Benny.” This marked Colbert’s first social media activity since his final sign-off from “The Late Show.”
The final episode not only celebrated Colbert’s extensive service to late-night television but also featured his canine companion in a memorable moment. In one segment of the show, Colbert and Sir Paul McCartney shared a whimsical scene where they activated a giant light switch inside the historic Ed Sullivan Theatre. This playful act resulted in the theatre shrinking into a snow globe, a charming visual that captured the show’s essence. As the show’s theme music played, viewers were taken outside to witness Benny sniffing around the snow globe, concluding with Colbert’s tender farewell: “Come on, Benny. Let’s go.”
Following the broadcast, the future of “The Late Show” became uncertain. CBS announced the cancellation of the show in July 2025, soon after Colbert publicly voiced his criticism of the network’s parent company, Paramount. The controversy arose from a scandal involving a $16 million settlement related to a suit filed by former President Donald Trump, who accused CBS’s “60 Minutes” of misrepresenting an interview.
In response to the cancellation, CBS declared that the decision was solely financial and did not reflect the show’s quality or performance. Yet, Colbert expressed a mixture of disbelief and gratitude regarding his time on the show, highlighting the privilege he felt in working within such an iconic venue and with some of the best humourists in the industry.
Reflecting further on his departure, Colbert stated in an interview that he aimed to carry forward the lessons and experiences gleaned from his years hosting. He described a sense of accomplishment in having created a show that catered to societal anxieties through humour, suggesting that stepping away from the regular demands of the show offered him a chance to pursue other interests.
Colbert’s family life has remained an essential component of his narrative. He shares three adult children—Madeleine, 30, Peter, 28, and John, 24—with his wife, Evelyn McGee Colbert, with whom he has celebrated over three decades of marriage. This familial bond has played a role in shaping his career and remains a source of joy for him amid the media spotlight.
Now, as Colbert embarks on this new chapter, he reflects on his past experiences with an appreciative spirit. He emphasised the time and energy he could now invest in pursuits that he had perhaps set aside during his busy years hosting “The Late Show.”
As for Benny, his faithful companion continues to play a significant role in Colbert’s life, both on and off-screen. Their connection and the joy it brings him are clear in his social media posts, illustrating that while the curtain may have fallen on “The Late Show,” his journey and loved ones—human and canine—remain central to his story.
In the ever-evolving realm of late-night television, Stephen Colbert’s influence and legacy will undoubtedly be remembered long after the final credits rolled. His ability to blend comedy with poignant cultural commentary has left an indelible imprint on the genre, paving the way for future hosts and programs.