The most popular late night host in America took the high road, and signed off with Paul McCartney, a bonkers wormhole skit and only a handful of winking references to the behind-the-scenes CBS drama that doomed his show, writes Kevin E G Perry

"The Late Show" frontman Stephen Colbert will host the final edition of the 33-year-old US cultural institution on Thursday night, after it was cancelled by CBS as the network…

Stephen Colbert has wrapped up his final broadcast of CBS' “The Late Show” with a memorable night. Paul McCartney joined him on stage for a lively performance of "Hello, Goodbye."

Stephen Colbert’s long run on “The Late Show” ends as he appears behind his CBS desk for the final time

Stephen Colbert’s long run on “The Late Show” ends as he appears behind his CBS desk for the final time

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As the much-loved Late Show host says his final goodnight, a look back at his finest and funniest moments

CBS is ending the top-rated late night program despite its popularity.

The cancellation of the Late Show came days after Stephen Colbert criticized Paramount over a $16 million settlement with Trump

Colbert’s show was pulled after he criticized CBS’s parent company Paramount and their decision to settle a lawsuit with Donald Trump.

Link to: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/arts/television/colbert-last-late-show.html?unlocked_article_code=1.kVA.GO3I.gVq9KeUrHEyM

The Late Show aired its final episode on Thursday, bringing an end to Stephen Colbert’s decade-long run as host and the show’s 32-year run as CBS’s premier late-night talk show.

With a dash of sci-fi, Colbert ended his CBS late-night show with a powerful musical sendoff featuring Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello and Jon Batiste.

Stephen Colbert is officially signing off and ending his 11-year run on \

The series finale of “The Late Show” is airing on CBS now, with Stephen Colbert giving thanks to his staff, studio audience and viewers.

Colbert took his final bow Thursday night as the long-running CBS show concluded after 33 years

Late-night TV host Stephen Colbert signed off for the last time Thursday evening after 11 years at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.

Colbert's last episode on "The Late Show" featured celebrity cameos, shots fired at CBS, and a Paul McCartney-sung farewell song.

The final episode of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' with Paul McCartney as his last guest, was a letdown.

CBS and Paramount announced show’s controversial cancellation last year

The top-rated host signs off from CBS with a defiant farewell following a politically charged corporate axing.