Stephen Colbert concluded his tenure as host of "The Late Show" on Thursday, May 21, 2026 [1], with a celebrity-filled finale episode [2].
The broadcast marks the end of an era for U.S. late-night television, signaling a transition for one of the most influential political satire platforms in the country.
The finale lasted 77 minutes [3] and featured a wide array of celebrity cameos to celebrate the host's run [2]. Colbert said he wanted to "choose to do it with joy" [4].
Throughout the episode, various stars appeared to offer their farewells to the comedian. The event culminated in a musical send-off with Paul McCartney, who served as the final guest ever to appear on the program [3].
Colbert spent the evening reflecting on his time with the show and the guests he hosted over the years. The production utilized a star-studded lineup to ensure the series ended on a celebratory note [2].
By inviting a high volume of high-profile guests, Colbert aimed to honor the community, and the audience that supported the show during his tenure [5]. The episode aired as a special extended broadcast to accommodate the numerous appearances and musical performances [3].
“"Choose to do it with joy"”
The conclusion of Colbert's run on The Late Show represents a significant shift in the late-night landscape, as his tenure was defined by a blend of sharp political commentary and traditional celebrity interviews. The scale of the finale, featuring global icons like Paul McCartney, underscores the show's reach and the cultural weight Colbert carried as a primary voice of the American political left in entertainment.
