Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on May 22, 2026 [1].
The conclusion of Colbert's tenure marks the end of a significant era in late-night television, as the show served as a primary vehicle for political satire and celebrity interviews throughout his seven-year run [2].
Broadcast from CBS Studio 50 in New York City, the finale featured a variety of guests and reflections on the host's time with the network [3]. Among the attendees was Paul McCartney, who appeared to help Colbert sign off from the program. "It's an honor to be here and sign off with Stephen," McCartney said [4].
The episode drew reactions from across the political and media spectrum. Donald Trump commented on the finale, saying the situation was "like a dead person" [5]. Anderson Cooper also noted the significance of the event, saying, "It's a sad night" [6].
Colbert's departure follows years of high-profile monologues and a consistent presence in the U.S. cultural conversation. The finale served as a bookend to a period of intense political polarization, during which the show often focused on the actions of the U.S. government and its leaders [3].
Throughout the final broadcast, the atmosphere at Studio 50 remained celebratory despite the ending of the series. Colbert used his final moments to address his audience and staff before officially concluding his role as the face of the network's late-night offering [3].
“"It's an honor to be here and sign off with Stephen"”
The end of Colbert's tenure reflects a broader shift in late-night media consumption, as traditional network talk shows face increasing competition from digital platforms and short-form content. His departure leaves a vacancy in the high-profile political satire space on CBS.
