Stephen Colbert, the beloved host of CBS’s Late Show, is preparing to bid farewell to his late-night audience as he unveils a special charity T-shirt in anticipation of the show’s final episode, scheduled for May 21. The T-shirt, which carries a humorous twist, serves not only as a memento of his 11-year tenure but also as a means of support for a vital cause.
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On March 18, during an episode of The Late Show, Colbert introduced the limited-edition shirts, which feature the phrase “The Last Show with Stephen Colbert” on the front, while the back delivers a cheeky message noting the viewership discrepancy: “Thanks for watching! (Unless you watched on YouTube, the network couldn’t monetise that).” This playful jab encapsulates the light-hearted spirit that has characterised his hosting style over the years.
The proceeds from the shirt sales will benefit World Central Kitchen, the charitable organisation founded by renowned chef José Andrés, which provides fresh meals in the aftermath of disasters. Colbert encouraged fans to purchase the shirts at ColbertLateShow.com/ebay, highlighting the importance of supporting Andrés’s mission. As of March 19, the shirts have proven to be highly popular, with sizes medium through 3XL selling out rapidly, while smaller sizes remained available. Over 3,400 shirts had flown off the virtual shelves shortly after their launch.
In addition to the charity merchandise, Colbert is embarking on a unique ‘home-shopping segment’ on his show, where he auctions props and memorabilia collected throughout the decade. This initiative has already raised an impressive $406,000, with items listed on eBay, including a tuxedo worn at the 2017 Emmys and signed basketball shoes from actor John Lithgow. “Folks, lately I’ve been thinking about trying to get rid of all the wonderful stuff we’ve accumulated here at the Ed Sullivan Theater over the last 11 years,” Colbert shared with audiences, adding a touch of nostalgia to the undertaking.
The announcement of The Late Show’s conclusion came in July, marking a significant moment in late-night television history. CBS described the decision as a result of financial pressures, amidst what they described as a challenging environment in the industry. Colbert’s departure signals the end of a chapter that began in September 2015 when he succeeded David Letterman, who had hosted the franchise since its inception in 1993.
Since the cancellation was announced, Colbert has not shied away from controversy. He has spoken out against CBS’s parent company, Paramount, particularly regarding a settlement paid to former President Donald Trump amounting to $16 million. His critiques highlight the complicated relationship between media, politics, and corporate decisions, underscoring the challenges faced by late-night hosts striving for authenticity in their content.
Colbert has also had to navigate regulatory challenges, including recent rulings from the Federal Communications Commission concerning equitable airtime for political candidates. In February, he interviewed Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, which legal counsel advised him against airing on television due to these new stipulations. Despite the complications, Colbert expressed his intent to maintain positive relations with CBS, stating, “For the record, I’m not even mad. I really don’t want an adversarial relationship with the network. I never had one.”
As Colbert prepares to sign off from his nightly hosting duties, the impact of his tenure is undeniable. His wit, humour, and willingness to engage in relevant contemporary issues have left an indelible mark on the landscape of late-night television. The upcoming final episode is set to be a poignant moment for both Colbert and his audience, who have followed his journey over the past eleven years.
For fans eager to cherish a piece of this legacy, the charity T-shirt offers a tangible connection to a show that has captivated viewers with its insightful comedy and heartfelt moments. While the future may be uncertain for Colbert, his contributions to late-night television will surely resonate long after the cameras stop rolling. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert continues to air on CBS at 11:35 p.m. ET, leading up to its emotional conclusion in May.