Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ Finale Sets New Viewership Record
The series finale of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ achieved a remarkable milestone, attracting its largest weeknight audience ever. According to CBS, the episode aired on Thursday, May 21, and drew in 6.74 million viewers, marking the most-watched weeknight episode in the show’s history. This figure surpasses the show’s first season average of 2.69 million viewers based on live+7 ratings data and even exceeds the series premiere from September 2015, which had 6.55 million viewers.
While it didn’t reach the viewership of the show’s post-Super Bowl episode in 2016, which garnered 20.55 million viewers, the finale still represented a significant achievement for Colbert and his team. For context, the final episode of ‘Late Show With David Letterman’ in 2015 attracted 13.76 million viewers, highlighting the changes in television viewership over the years. CBS stated that the cancellation of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ was a financial decision, although the timing and abruptness of the ending raised questions among fans and media observers.
The finale featured a star-studded send-off, with legendary musician Paul McCartney helping to close the show. McCartney performed alongside Colbert, Elvis Costello, former band leader Jon Batiste, and current band leader Louis Cato.
Together, they delivered a rendition of the Beatles’ classic “Hello Goodbye,” with staff members joining in to sing and dance across the stage. Colbert described the moment as a tribute to both the Ed Sullivan Theater’s history and the dedicated team that had worked on the show for decades.
“It felt like the right way to say goodbye,” Colbert remarked to reporters after the finale. “Having Paul here, and all these amazing guests, made it a proper send-off for everyone who has been a part of this show.”
The episode also featured appearances from numerous celebrities, including Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, Ryan Reynolds, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart, and Andy Cohen. These cameos contributed to the celebratory atmosphere, reflecting the show’s extensive impact over its 33-year run on CBS.
Fans were treated to additional surprises, such as an interdimensional wormhole effect at the Ed Sullivan Theater and a performance of Costello’s 1977 hit “Jump Up.” The combination of music, comedy, and spectacle showcased the unique entertainment blend that had become Colbert’s signature style over the years.
Critics and audiences alike noted that the finale effectively balanced nostalgia and celebration, honoring the show’s legacy while delivering moments of humor and reflection. CBS programming sources indicated that the finale not only celebrated Colbert’s tenure but also highlighted the evolving nature of late-night television in the streaming era.
For Colbert, the finale marked both a personal and professional milestone. The host reflected on the show’s journey from its inception to its concluding moments, acknowledging the dedication of the production team, musicians, writers, and crew who brought the show to life. “It’s been an incredible ride,” he stated, “and I’m grateful to everyone who made it possible, from the staff to the viewers who tuned in each night.”
With its record-breaking weeknight audience, star-studded finale, and unforgettable musical performances, ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ concluded its chapter in style. The show’s legacy as a cornerstone of late-night television is now firmly established, leaving fans with one last evening of laughter, music, and memorable moments.
CBS provided the viewership and production information for the finale, emphasizing that the episode’s impressive numbers reflected the commitment of both the audience and the team behind the scenes.
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