Stephen Colbert’s Final Episode of The Late Show
Stephen Colbert concluded his tenure as the host of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday, May 21, with a mix of humor and reflection. The 62-year-old late-night host, known for his sharp wit and satirical take on current events, delivered a farewell that was both entertaining and heartfelt.
Colbert began by acknowledging the 11 years he spent at the Ed Sullivan Theater. “We were lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years,” he said. “You can’t take this for granted. Though, actually, technically, our first show, back in July of 2015, was from a public access station in Monroe, Michigan, for an audience of 12 people.”
He then showed a photo of himself sitting on wicker furniture, adding, “And show business being what it is these days, that’s probably where you’ll see me next.”
A Lighthearted Farewell
Colbert also reflected on the beloved segment First Drafts, where he shared a finished greeting card alongside its original draft. The initial version read, “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later!” while the original draft was more explicit: “This isn’t goodbye. How do you start an OnlyF—?”
Though he didn’t directly reference Donald Trump, Colbert made a few subtle jabs at his administration, particularly mentioning Dr. Brian Christine, a “penile implant specialist and vaccine skeptic” who now leads the country’s response. “Clearly, this guy is not a fan of little p—–,” he quipped.
Paul McCartney’s Special Appearance
The final guest on The Late Show was none other than Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatles member and 83-year-old music icon. McCartney had a new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, set for release on May 29.
During the interview, McCartney presented Colbert with a photo of The Beatles performing at The Ed Sullivan Theatre. In a humorous moment, Colbert joked, “To Stephen, you’re better than The Beatles – Paul McCartney.” McCartney responded, “It doesn’t say that,” but embraced the playful banter.
After discussing Beatles memories and his first impressions of America, Colbert and his crew joined McCartney onstage for a final performance. They performed The Beatles’ 1967 hit “Hello, Goodbye,” marking a fitting end to an era.
Controversial Exit and Political Reactions
Colbert’s time as the host of The Late Show ended on a controversial note. CBS cited financial pressures as the reason for his departure, though some speculated that political fallout may have played a role.
Donald Trump, ever the critic, took to Truth Social shortly after the finale. He wrote, “Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. He was like a dead person. You could take any person off of the street and they would be better than this total jerk. Thank goodness he’s finally gone!”
Legacy and Future Plans
Before his exit, Colbert was the host of The Late Show since 2015, following in the footsteps of David Letterman, whose run from 1993 to 2015 set the stage for the show’s success.
For fans who will miss the show, there’s good news. Those yearning for a glimpse of the Late Show set can visit the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. There, they can see the entire set from the iconic studio.
As for Colbert, while he hasn’t officially announced his next move, his final episode left audiences laughing and reflecting on his impact on late-night television. Whether he returns to the spotlight or takes a break, one thing is certain—his legacy will continue to influence the world of comedy and entertainment.
