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Stephen Colbert Hosts Final Episode of 'The Late Show' After 11 Seasons

Entertainment8h ago
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A newer version of this story is available at Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' Ends 11-Year Run With Record Finale.

Stephen Colbert hosted his final episode of 'The Late Show' on CBS Thursday, featuring a guest-filled celebration and a musical finale led by Paul McCartney. CBS canceled the show last summer citing financial pressures in the late-night landscape. The network will replace the program with the syndicated talk show 'Comics Unleashed'.

Facts First

  • Stephen Colbert hosted his final episode of 'The Late Show' after 11 seasons on CBS.
  • The finale featured guests Paul McCartney, Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Ryan Reynolds, and other late-night hosts and exceeded its usual one-hour slot.
  • CBS canceled the show last summer, stating the decision was 'purely a financial decision' amid declining late-night economics.
  • The network will replace 'The Late Show' with 'Comics Unleashed', a syndicated talk show hosted by Byron Allen that aims to avoid politics.
  • President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social celebrating the cancellation and suggesting other late-night hosts might be next.

What Happened

Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of 'The Late Show' on CBS Thursday, May 21. The 77-minute finale featured guests including Paul McCartney, Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Ryan Reynolds, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, and fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver. In a prerecorded segment, Paul McCartney flipped a switch to turn off the lights at the Ed Sullivan Theater, transitioning the stage into a green interdimensional portal introduced by Neil deGrasse Tyson. McCartney also performed the Beatles song 'Hello Goodbye' with Colbert, Elvis Costello, and Jon Batiste. Colbert did not mention President Donald Trump during the final episode.

Why this Matters to You

If you watch late-night television, your viewing options are changing. CBS is replacing 'The Late Show' with 'Comics Unleashed', a syndicated talk show hosted by Byron Allen that he states will be apolitical. This shift may reflect broader economic pressures on network late-night programming. For fans of Colbert's style of comedy and political satire, this marks the end of a specific voice in that time slot. Other networks honored the finale by airing reruns of their competing shows, which may have temporarily altered your usual late-night lineup.

What's Next

'Comics Unleashed' will begin airing in the 11:35 p.m. time slot starting Friday. Byron Allen, who leases the timeslot from CBS, says his show's comedy will avoid politics. Stephen Colbert plans to attend his brother's wedding this weekend and is co-writing a script for an upcoming 'Lord of the Rings' movie with his son. CBS will donate the 'The Late Show' set to the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. The broader late-night landscape may continue to evolve as networks navigate financial challenges.

Perspectives

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Political Critics and Supporters argue that the cancellation was a form of political retribution or an 'authoritarian triumph' driven by the Trump administration's desire to silence a critic. They contend that the decision cannot be explained by economics alone given the show's status as a ratings leader.
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CBS and Industry Analysts maintain that the cancellation was a 'purely financial decision' and suggest that the late-night format must evolve to survive the streaming era. Some analysts note that declining ratings may be due to information silos rather than political stances.
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Donald Trump expresses glee over the cancellation, frequently mocking Colbert's lack of talent and low ratings while comparing him to a 'dead person'.
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Colleagues and Fans celebrate Colbert's legacy as a 'brilliant mind' who provided 'meaningful solace' and a necessary way to laugh during dark political moments. They view his departure as a significant loss to the cultural landscape.
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Media Critics offer mixed reviews of Colbert's performance, with some praising his ability to handle serious topics and others criticizing his interview style or suggesting the show had become obsolete.