Stephen Colbert signed off with one final jab aimed at CBS during his Late Show farewell. The late-night host expressed mixed emotions and sarcasm as he closed an 11-season run on the network. His final episode balanced heartfelt moments with pointed comedy as fellow hosts and celebrity guests joined the sendoff.
Stephen Colbert takes a shot at CBS on Late Show finale
Stephen Colbert did not leave The Late Show quietly. During his farewell episode, the longtime host slipped in one last joke directed at CBS while discussing a copyright lawsuit tied to Peanuts music. While talking about companies suing over unauthorized use of the famous theme, Colbert’s band suddenly started playing the recognizable tune live in the studio.
Pretending to panic, Colbert turned to bandleader Louis Cato and joked, “Oh no, I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money.” The audience immediately caught the dig, especially given the controversy surrounding the show’s cancellation (via The Daily Beast).
CBS previously said the decision to end The Late Show was “purely financial.” But many viewers and critics questioned that explanation. Comparisons were quickly made to NBC’s handling of Late Night With Seth Meyers, where the network reportedly cut costs instead of canceling the program entirely.
Colbert largely avoided directly attacking CBS during the finale, though several sketches and jokes clearly referenced the tension around the show’s ending despite remaining a strong ratings performer in late-night television.
The emotional side of the finale came through early in Colbert’s monologue. Reflecting on the crew and staff behind the show, he described The Late Show as “The Joy Machine.” He told viewers, “If you choose to do it with joy, it doesn’t hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears.” Colbert also praised the people he worked with over the years, saying he could never fully explain how much the team meant to each other behind the scenes.
The finale also packed in major celebrity appearances. Paul McCartney attended the taping, while Paul Rudd, Bryan Cranston, and Ryan Reynolds showed up during the broadcast.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
