In the two-minute-long message to the audience, Colbert described his show as a “Joy Machine” as he thanked the audience both in the studio and those watching at home.

From riffing with Jon Stewart to discussing grief with Vice President Biden to cracking up with Tiffany Haddish, Stephen Colbert always entertained.

This Thursday marks the end of an era for The Late Show – a beloved US cultural touchstone which is about to disappear. Here's everything you need to know about the final episode,…