‘We were lucky’: Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ bids farewell in final broadcast on CBS

‘We were lucky’: Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ bids farewell in final broadcast on CBS

We were lucky – Stephen Colbert delivered a heartfelt and introspective farewell to his eleven-year tenure on “The Late Show” during its last episode, held at the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater. The broadcast, which marked the end of an era for late-night television, was filled with gratitude toward his team, the audience, and the viewers who had supported him throughout his time on the CBS platform. Colbert’s emotional tone underscored the significance of the moment, as he reflected on the journey that brought him to this final stage.

Final Night of a Decade

As Colbert stepped into the spotlight amidst thunderous applause, the atmosphere in the theater was electric with nostalgia and anticipation. The Ed Sullivan Theater, a familiar setting for his nightly performances, became a stage for memories spanning over a decade. His opening remarks, delivered with a blend of humor and sincerity, acknowledged the countless moments that had shaped his career. “If you’re just tuning in tonight, you’ve missed a lot,” he quipped, hinting at the broader context of his show’s cancellation by CBS’s parent company, Paramount.

Paramount’s decision to end the program was attributed to financial concerns, but many of Colbert’s supporters speculated that political tensions played a larger role. The show had often been a platform for sharp critiques of public figures, and President Donald Trump’s disdain for Colbert’s commentary was cited as a potential factor. At the time of the cancellation, Paramount was actively pursuing a media merger with the Trump administration, a process that may have influenced the timing of the show’s departure.

Trump’s Mixed Reaction

Despite the political undercurrents, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to commemorate Colbert’s final episode. His post was a mix of praise and criticism, stating, “Amazing he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. … Thank goodness he’s finally gone!” This sentiment contrasted sharply with Colbert’s own approach during the finale, where he chose to focus on the positive aspects of his time on the show rather than dwell on the circumstances of its end.

Colbert’s decision not to directly reference Trump during the monologue was notable, especially given the show’s history of addressing political figures. He instead highlighted the camaraderie and shared experiences with his audience, emphasizing the importance of the community that had grown around “The Late Show.” “You can’t take this for granted,” he said, gesturing to the audience. “We were lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years.” His gratitude resonated with viewers, many of whom had followed his journey from Comedy Central to CBS.

Guest Appearances and Musical Homages

The episode was not without its moments of levity, as it was interrupted by several celebrity friends vying for the final guest spot. Among the notable appearances was Paul McCartney, who engaged in a deep conversation with Colbert. This choice was particularly poignant, as McCartney and The Beatles had previously graced the same Ed Sullivan Theater stage in 1964. The show’s TikTok account noted the irony, stating, “What could be more full circle than a crowd screaming for Paul McCartney at the Ed Sullivan Theater?”

McCartney’s interview touched on themes of resistance to change, drawing parallels between his own approach to music and Colbert’s career. “Take the iPhone, with its constant software updates,” he remarked, “I bought you. I don’t want you to change.” Colbert, while nodding to McCartney’s sentiment, expressed a readiness to adapt to the shifting landscape of his profession. “A lot of people have been asking me what I plan to do after tonight,” he joked, “and the answer is … drugs.”

The monologue also revisited Colbert’s early days on Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report,” where he first introduced himself as a self-assured, if somewhat over-the-top, character. “Anyone can read the news to you,” he recalled, “I promise to feel the news ‘at’ you.” This humorous self-deprecation contrasted with his later role on CBS, where he evolved into a more collaborative and reflective host. “We were here to feel the news with you,” he added, acknowledging the shift in his approach to storytelling and audience engagement.

Legacy and Final Performances

As the episode neared its conclusion, Colbert’s show took a surreal turn, imagining an “interdimensional wormhole” opening at the theater and threatening to swallow late-night television. His fellow hosts, including John Oliver from HBO and Jimmy Kimmel of ABC, joined the segment, offering their own takes on the situation. Oliver quipped, “At some point, this may come for all of our shows,” while Kimmel referenced his own brief suspension earlier in the year, saying, “The wormhole appeared at my show back then, but it went away after about three days.”

Jon Stewart, who hosts “The Daily Show” for Paramount’s Comedy Central, delivered a sly jab at the parent company, stating, “Paramount strongly believes in covering both sides of any black hole that is swallowing everything we know and love, and the coverage must also include the positive aspects of the insatiable emptiness.” This line encapsulated the ongoing tension between Colbert’s satirical approach and the network’s more corporate priorities.

The night ended with two taped performances that underscored the theme of closure. Colbert, alongside Elvis Costello and former “Late Show” bandleader Jon Batiste, performed a classic of his own choosing: Costello’s 1977 demo “Jump Up,” which critiques hypocritical politicians. The performance was followed by a rendition of the Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye,” with McCartney, Costello, and others joining in. This musical homage served as a fitting tribute to the show’s long history and the interconnectedness of its guests and hosts.

In a final nod to the show’s legacy, the episode concluded with an imaginative flourish. The Ed Sullivan Theater was depicted as existing inside a snow globe, a reference to the iconic ending of the 1980s drama “St. Elsewhere.” This metaphor suggested that the entire experience had been a dream-like journey, encapsulating the surreal nature of Colbert’s farewell. As the camera panned out, the stage was left empty, symbolizing the end of an era but also the beginning of new chapters for the host.