Stephen Colbert took the stage of “The Late Show” for the final time Thursday night, marking the end of a 33-year franchise run. In his opening monologue, Colbert expressed gratitude for the experience, saying he felt “lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years” and acknowledging the show’s rich history at the Ed Sullivan Theater.
The final show, which ran 17 minutes longer than its usual hour, featured surprise cameos from celebrities such as Jon Stewart, Tig Notaro, Ryan Reynolds, and Paul McCartney, who performed as the show’s actual final guest. Fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver also joined Colbert to bid him farewell.
End of an Era for Late Night
Colbert’s departure from “The Late Show” comes after CBS announced in July that it would end the franchise due to financial reasons. The decision was met with skepticism from some viewers and media critics, who questioned whether political motives were involved, given Colbert’s outspoken criticism of former President Trump.
The final show was packed with nostalgia, with Colbert reflecting on the “joy” the show brought him and cast members throughout the 11 years and over 1,800 episodes. The show’s finale also featured a stream of star guests, including Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, and Steven Spielberg, who appeared in the lead-up to the final episode.
Colbert took a jab at the network during the show, playing “Linus and Lucy” as part of a bit about a challenging backdrop in late night. The finale marked the end of an era for late-night television, with Colbert’s departure leaving a void in the landscape.
What’s Next for Late Night
The end of “The Late Show” franchise raises questions about the future of late-night television, with some wondering what will fill the void left by Colbert’s departure. Kimmel and Fallon both aired reruns on Thursday in recognition of Colbert’s final show, and it remains to be seen how the late-night landscape will shift in the coming months.
As the television industry continues to evolve, the end of “The Late Show” franchise serves as a reminder of the changing landscape of late-night television, with Colbert’s departure marking a significant milestone in the history of the genre. The finale of “The Late Show” will be remembered as a celebration of the show’s history and a tribute to the impact it had on the world of comedy and entertainment.
