As The Late Show With Stephen Colbert nears its last episode, the long-time host has revealed his plan to walk off the set as soon as the series finale finishes taping. The finale signals a definitive close to his 11-year run and reflects the network’s choice to retire the franchise that defined CBS’s voice after 11:35 PM for more than three decades.
Stephen Colbert and his Late Show staff have to vacate set immediately post-finale
Stephen Colbert and the entire Late Show staff are required to vacate the Ed Sullivan Theater set immediately after the series finale taping concludes.
In a Strike Force Five conversation alongside fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, the comedian detailed the plans for his departure after the talk show’s last episode airs on May 21.
He explained that after attending his brother’s wedding on May 23, he and all of his staff will need to clear out of the office.
“[When] we come back, I’m cleaning out the office,” Colbert revealed. “We gotta get our s— out of here. No one’s got a job after that night [of the last episode]. I think the next day, everyone’s fired.”
Colbert said the crew might have time to vacate the studio. However, he stressed that his full staff has to depart.
“I think the set has longer, or the crew has time to wrap,” the host said. “But I think they’re gonna start tearing s— out immediately. I know my staff is not paid the next day. They’re out.”
Colbert further shared that his personal belongings are already taken care of, and he has already cleared out his office. He also noted that everyone must be out by Friday, May 29.
Colbert’s rapid exit timeline caught the other late-night hosts off guard, but Fallon said that it sounded familiar.
“That was the same with [David] Letterman, too, right?” he asked. “‘Cause he tells that story.”
Stephen Colbert confirmed that Letterman’s set was literally discarded the day after his show ended.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory
