TOI correspondent from Washington: American late-night television, that unique, risque institution where presidents are mocked, celebrities flattered and the audience applauds on cue, is preparing for a funeral. After 33 years, CBS is pulling the plug on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, with its eponymous host taking his final bow this week – ending not merely a show, but perhaps an era when comedians doubled as the political opposition.

Colbert’s “pissed off” predecessor returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater to mock CBS/Paramount for giving him the ax and toss furniture off the roof.

Letterman's appearance on the series arrived exactly one week before Colbert's final show on May 21.

Late-night television is currently in the ICU of the TV world, and it’s doubtful whether it’ll make it out alive.

David Letterman returned to the \

The host who coined "truthiness" never found his footing in the world it predicted.

The host will also turn the 'Colbert Questionert' on himself in his last week.