May 22, (THEWILL) — Stephen Colbert signed off from “The Late Show” on Thursday, May 21, ending his 11-year run and the franchise’s 33-year history on CBS.
The final episode featured Sir Paul McCartney, who performed “Hello, Goodbye” and shared memories of touring the U.S. with The Beatles.
Colbert opened the show with his usual monologue, thanking viewers and staff. Celebrity cameos, including Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, and Ryan Reynolds, tried to appear as his final guest, but McCartney, who had performed on the same stage with The Beatles in 1964, ultimately sat down for the final interview.
Reflecting on his years hosting, Colbert expressed gratitude for his time on the show.
CBS said the cancellation was purely a financial decision, despite speculation that political pressure may have played a role due to Colbert’s criticism of President Donald Trump.
The finale included performances with Jon Batiste, Elvis Costello, and McCartney.
Colbert and the crew took a final bow, turning off the lights of the Ed Sullivan Theater for the last time.
The Late Show’s 11:35 p.m. time slot will be replaced by Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed”, an evergreen comedy show with no political content.
CBS will donate Colbert’s set to the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, while the future of the Ed Sullivan Theater stage remains undecided.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
