Stephen Colbert Bids Farewell on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ With Surprise Guests
Stephen Colbert has officially said goodbye to ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ after an impressive 11-year tenure, culminating in a final episode that aired on CBS News reporting.
The farewell show marked the conclusion of a significant era for the late-night franchise, which has entertained audiences in various formats for over three decades. Colbert’s last night was filled with emotion, featuring numerous guests and extending about 17 minutes beyond its usual runtime.
In his opening monologue, Colbert reflected on his journey with the show and the rich history of the studio. He remarked, “There is so much history here in the Ed Sullivan Theater, and we’ve been honored to have been just a small part of it.”
He also shared insights about the experience of working on the show for such a long time. Colbert described the production as a collaborative effort driven by joy, stating, “We call it the joy machine, because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine. But the thing is, if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn’t hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears.”
Colbert expressed deep appreciation for his colleagues, saying, “And I cannot adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other and how much we mean to each other.”
According to CBS News, the final episode was packed with surprise appearances from a host of celebrities. Notable guests included Jon Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Paul Rudd, Bryan Cranston, Don Cheadle, and scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Other late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, also made appearances. Kimmel addressed Colbert directly, stating, “We came to say we’re gonna miss you. Late night is not gonna be the same without you.”
One of the most memorable moments came at the end of the show when musician Paul McCartney appeared as the final guest. McCartney performed at the Ed Sullivan Theater, a venue deeply connected to The Beatles’ first American TV appearance in the 1960s.
Before McCartney’s surprise, there was speculation about a potential appearance by Pope Leo XIV, but that did not materialize.
The episode also featured musical performances by Elvis Costello and Jon Batiste, who returned to the stage where he once served as bandleader for the show.
In the closing moments, McCartney performed “Hello, Goodbye,” with Colbert joining in as the audience filled the stage, transforming the farewell into a vibrant celebration rather than a somber goodbye.
CBS News reported that CBS decided earlier this year to end ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ as part of a financial strategy involving its late-night programming. The network confirmed that the show had consistently ranked among the top-rated late-night programs for several years.
Colbert took over hosting duties in 2015 after David Letterman’s retirement. His final episode now marks the end of a significant chapter in modern late-night television, concluding a run that included over 1,800 episodes and a remarkable lineup of high-profile guests.
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