Stephen Colbert brought out a string of celebrity guests, including Sir Paul McCartney, for his final episode of The Late Show on CBS Thursday, bringing down the curtain on his broadcast from New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater for the final time.
McCartney joined Colbert on stage for his last-ever show, gifting him a signed photo of the Beatles’ first performance at the venue from 1964 and later performed with the host, Jon Batiste and Elvis Costello on the latter’s “Jump Up” and the Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye.”
A slew of the host’s famous friends also made appearances, including fellow late-night stars Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver.
Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Ryan Reynolds, Tig Notaro, Tim Meadows, and Neil deGrasse Tyson also made cameos.
President Donald Trump , a long-time enemy of Colbert, attempted to spoil the party by calling him “a total jerk” as he signed off.
The cancellation of the Emmy-winning comedian’s show was announced last July, coming after Colbert criticized the network’s parent company, Paramount, over a $16 million settlement with Trump.
The comic took over from David Letterman in 2015, having previously starred as Stewart’s arch-nemesis on The Daily Show.
KEY POINTS
- Paul McCartney gifts Stephen Colbert signed photo of The Beatles
- Bryan Cranston storms off Colbert’s final Late Show
- Full list of guests on satirist's last-ever show
- Staffer shares video of comedian's warm-up act before finale
- Why was The Late Show canceled?
Watch: McCartney gifts Colbert vintage Beatles picture on final show
11:29 , Joe Sommerlad
'Chaotic, underwhelming and Trump-free – Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show went out with a whimper'
10:55 , Tom Murray
“Anyone expecting Stephen Colbert to go out all guns blazing will have been left disappointed by the last ever episode of The Late Show,” writes Kevin E G Perry.
“There were no broadsides at the network that canceled him, or at the president who cheered on his downfall. After 33 years on air, 11 with Colbert at the helm, America’s most popular late night show took its final bow on CBS without a single utterance of the name ‘Trump’. In the end, Colbert chose to bow out with a joyful song on his lips, and a message of gratitude.”
Read more:
Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show went out with a whimper
National Comedy Center congratulates Colbert on Late Show run
10:30 , Rachel Dobkin
The National Comedy Center has congratulated Stephen Colbert on his Late Show run.
“Congratulations to Stephen Colbert and the @colbertlateshow team for shaping this chapter of a comedy institution — bringing humor, insight, and shared cultural conversation to millions, and leaving an enduring mark on the genre,” the center wrote on X.
“As audiences become increasingly siloed across platforms, late-night television has remained one of the few shared spaces where humor, disagreement, and connection could coexist in our democracy,” the post continued.
Watch: Bryan Cranton, Paul Rudd and Tim Meadows interrupt Colbert
10:00 , Joe Sommerlad
The host attempted to do his final monologue from the Ed Sullivan Theater in the same style he has conducted the other 1,800 but some celebrity friends had other ideas…
‘Thanks for being here’: What did Colbert say in his final monologue?
09:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Caitlin Hornik has this report on the departing Late Show host’s farewell remarks to his studio audience.
Stephen Colbert jokes about ‘one upside’ to Late Show ending in final monologue
Tributes from Democrats keep pouring in as Late Show comes to an end
09:00 , Rachel Dobkin
“Thank you to my friend, Stephen Colbert,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.
“He has been an icon of late night comedy, a warrior for free speech, and a much needed voice in our politics.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote on the same platform: “Hell of a run, my friend!
“Thank you, Stephen, for the past 11 seasons of bringing laughter into our homes, speaking truth to power with a smile, and being loud for America.”
Trump celebrates end of ‘total jerk’ Stephen Colbert’s show in scathing post
08:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Here’s more on the president’s farewell attack on the comedian from Owen Scott.
You didn’t expect him to bid a gracious adieu, did you?
Trump celebrates end of ‘total jerk’ Stephen Colbert’s show in scathing post
Jeopardy! sends off Stephen Colbert with clues-filled post
08:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Trump revels in Colbert's exit with scathing Truth Social post
07:43 , Sam Rkaina
Donald Trump has posted a scathing attack on Colbert, celebrating the late night host’s departure after his final show.
“Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. He was like a dead person.
“You could take any person off of the street and they would be better than this total jerk. Thank goodness he’s finally gone!”
Kristin Chenoweth shares clip of cherished Colbert memory: 'Sorry for sterilizing you'
07:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth has shared a clip of one of her “favorite” memories with Stephen Colbert.
In the video, Chenoweth is showing off her high notes on the Late Show. When she hits an E flat, Colbert jokes, “I’m glad I’ve already had my children because I think you just sterilized me.”
“We ALL love you so much, Stephen! Cheering for you on your final show tonight and as you embark on your next chapter… sorry for sterilizing you,” Chenoweth wrote on X ahead of the finale.
One of my favorite memories with the one and only @StephenAtHome 💖 We ALL love you so much, Stephen! Cheering for you on your final show tonight and as you embark on your next chapter… sorry for sterilizing you 😂 @colbertlateshow @JonBatiste pic.twitter.com/OVsSQdE7ui
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) May 21, 2026
Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show sign-off includes tongue-in-cheek nod to CBS and show cancellation
06:30 , Caitlin Hornik
Stephen Colbert has issued his final farewell to The Late Show — but not without taking aim at CBS.
The network announced the cancellation of the long-running Late Show franchise last July, just days after Colbert criticized the network’s parent company, Paramount, for reaching a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over accusations that its newsmagazine series 60 Minutes deceptively edited a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
The last moments of Colbert’s final broadcast included a performance of The Beatles’ hit song “Hello, Goodbye” led by special guest Paul McCartney. Colbert, who was singing along at a microphone, was joined onstage by his family and what appeared to be staffers on the long-running CBS show.
As the song continued in the background, Colbert and McCartney were then seen standing backstage beside an electrical box and lever labeled “Late Show.” After Colbert gave McCartney the nod, the Beatles singer pulled the lever — effectively pulling the plug on the power to historic Ed Sullivan Theater that housed the late night show, in a seeming jab at CBS canceling the series.
Read on...
Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show sign-off took aim at CBS and cancellation
Full list of Colbert's Late Show finale guests
06:26 , Rachel Dobkin
Here’s a full list of guests that appeared on the final episode of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert:
- Paul McCartney
- Jon Stewart
- Jimmy Fallon
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Seth Meyers
- John Oliver
- Jon Batiste
- Elvis Costello
- Bryan Cranston
- Paul Rudd
- Ryan Reynolds
- Tig Notaro
- Tim Meadows
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
Colbert ends show with Hello, Goodbye performance with McCartney
06:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Stephen Colbert has ended the final Late Show with a performance of the iconic Beatles song Hello, Goodbye.
Colbert was joined by Beatles singer Paul McCartney, former Late Show bandleader Jon Batiste and musical icon Elvis Costello.
Colbert's late night colleagues included in Late Show send-off
05:39 , Rachel Dobkin
Stephen Colbert's late night colleagues Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and John Oliver were also included in the Late Show’s send-off.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jon Stewart make Late Show appearance
05:36 , Rachel Dobkin
In an unlikely mash-up, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Jon Stewart make an appearance on the Late Show.
Watch: Paul Rudd and Tim Meadows make surprise cameos on Stephen Colbert’s final show
05:31 , Rachel Dobkin
McCartney reveals common mishearing of Strawberry Fields
05:31 , Rachel Dobkin
Paul McCartney has revealed a common mishearing of the hit Beatles song Strawberry Fields.
“Do people ever misinterpret your songs to you? “ Colbert asked McCartney.
“Strawberry Fields, the beginning, it says ‘Living is easy with eyes closed’...But some people think it's ‘Living is easy with nice clothes,’” McCartney said.
Watch: Bryan Cranston storms off Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show taping in hilarious guest skit
05:24 , Rachel Dobkin
McCartney gifts Colbert signed photo of Beatles
05:13 , Rachel Dobkin
McCartney has gifted Colbert a signed photo of the Beatles performing at the Ed Sullivan Theater.
Paul McCartney is Colbert's final guest
05:10 , Rachel Dobkin
Singer Paul McCartney has walked on stage to be Stephen Colbert’s final guest.
Colbert takes shot at CBS with Peanuts music
05:09 , Rachel Dobkin and Mike Bedigan
Stephen Colbert has taken a shot at CBS with his Late Show band playing music from the Peanuts.
The owner of the music used in Peanuts television specials filed lawsuits against several defendants, including the Trump administration, alleging that it illegally used the tunes in social media posts and a game.
“Is the band right now playing the same Peanuts music that I just said people were being sued for using without permission?“ Colbert said.
“Oh no, I hope this doesn't cost CBS any money,” Colbert sarcastically said.
Tig Notaro and Ryan Reynolds joins Late Show
05:04 , Rachel Dobkin
Comedian Tig Notaro and actor Ryan Reynolds have appeared in the audience on the Late Show.
“I just like to be at historic events. I was at the Obama inauguration, the moon landing, and whatever this is,” Nortaro joked.
“Tig, you weren't at the moon landing,” Stephen Colbert said. “I said what I said,” Notaro replied.
Reynolds told Colbert, “I'm just happy to be here. Pay my respects to one of the world's greatest entertainers on his last night at the Ed Sullivan Theater.”
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel urges viewers to 'never watch CBS again' after Stephen Colbert finale
04:52 , Rachel Dobkin
The Late Show is on a commercial break. Here is what comedian Jimmy Kimmel had to say about Stephen Colbert’s finale.
Tim Meadows storms off with Colbert's bananas
04:49 , Rachel Dobkin
Actor Tim Meadows was also in the audience, well, for just a moment.
Meadows quickly stormed off with Colbert’s retirement gift, given by actor Paul Rudd — bananas.
Paul Rudd makes appearance on Late Show
04:47 , Rachel Dobkin
Actor Paul Rudd has also popped up in the Late Show’s live audience, showing off Stephen Colbert’s retirement gift.
“I brought you the traditional retirement gift,” Rudd said.
“Is it like a gold watch?” Colbert asked.
“No, I was going to give you the traditional six bananas,” Rudd said.
Bryan Cranston appears in audience
04:42 , Rachel Dobkin
Actor Bryan Cranston has appeared among the live audience.
He’s wearing a Late Show baseball cap.
Audience boos when Colbert announces final broadcast
04:41 , Rachel Dobkin
The live audience booed when Stephen Colbert announced that tonight would be the final broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater, where the Late Show is filmed.
Colbert shares gratitude for Late Show audience
04:38 , Rachel Dobkin
Stephen Colbert has shared his gratitude for Late Show audience.
“I just want to let all y'all know...how important you've been to what we have done, the energy that you've given us,” he said. “We sincerely need that to have done the best possible show we could have for you for the last 11 years.”
Colbert kicks off final Late Show
04:35 , Rachel Dobkin
Stephen Colbert has kicked off the final episode of the Late Show.
Colbert has hosted the show since September 2015, while the franchise has been on the air for 33 years. Colbert took over for David Letterman more than a decade ago.
All about Stephen Colbert's career in late night TV
04:30 , Rachel Dobkin
Stephen Colbert had a long history in late night TV before his more than decade-long run on the Late Show.
He joined The Daily Show as a correspondent in the late 1990s before getting his own show, the Colbert Report, in 2005.
The comedian left the Colbert Report in 2014.
In 2015, he took over the Late Show for David Letterman.
Seth Meyers shares heartwarming video with Stephen Colbert ahead of finale
04:15 , Rachel Dobkin
Fellow late night host Seth Meyers has shared a heartwarming video of himself and Stephen Colbert ahead of the Late Show’s finale tonight.
Thank you, @stephenathome ❤️
— Late Night with Seth Meyers (@LateNightSeth) May 21, 2026
Original Air Date: January 27, 2026 pic.twitter.com/VRaoWiGCQA
What's next for Stephen Colbert after the Late Show?
04:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Stephen Colbert already has his next gig lined up after the Late Show finale — and it has to do with hobbits.
Colbert announced in March that he would be co-writing a new Lord of the Rings movie for Warner Bros. with his son, Peter, and screenwriter Philippa Boyens.
The film will be based on the six chapters early in The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of The Lord of the Rings, Colbert explained.
The project began before CBS decided to end The Late Show.
Hakeem Jeffries says he will 'always stand' with Colbert
03:30 , Rachel Dobkin
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said he will “always stand” with Stephen Colbert.
We will always stand with Stephen Colbert. pic.twitter.com/Col7IaE8xZ
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) May 21, 2026
The Democratic leader and Colbert, a frequent critic of Donald Trump, have both drawn the president’s ire.
Nancy Pelosi shares throwback post of her Capitol Hill stunt on the Colbert Report
03:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has shared a throwback post of her Capitol Hill stunt on the Colbert Report.
To commemorate Stephen Colbert’s late night career, Pelosi shared a clip of an old Colbert Report episode, where someone resembling the Democrat was seen showing off some bike tricks in Washington, D.C. as part of a skit.
“Whether riding a bicycle on Capitol Hill or joking about Congress on the Late Show, Stephen Colbert is always outspoken,” she wrote alongside the video in an X post. “We’re all proudly in tandem with you on your next adventure.”
Mikie Sherrill shares well wishes to 'New Jersey icon' Stephen Colbert
02:45 , Rachel Dobkin
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has shared well wishes to Stephen Colbert.
“Stephen Colbert is a true New Jersey icon,” Sherrill wrote on X. “Over the years, I’ve been proud to call him a friend. His humor is matched by his intelligence, his heart, and his deep love of country.”
“Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!” she added.
Colbert lives with his family in Montclair, New Jersey.
Stephen Colbert is a true New Jersey icon.
— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) May 21, 2026
Over the years, I’ve been proud to call him a friend. His humor is matched by his intelligence, his heart, and his deep love of country.
Stephen – your voice has shaped conversations, lifted spirits, and reminded us not to take… pic.twitter.com/YOsnYZsa5d
Late Show crew: 'You're not ready for this one!'
02:30 , Rachel Dobkin
The Late Show took to social media to hype up viewers ahead of tonight’s finale, writing, “You’re not ready for this one!”
“And we aren’t either,” the crew shared on Instagram Stories with a photo of the show’s taping.
In pictures: Paul McCartney leaves Late Show taping
02:24 , Rachel Dobkin
Here's the star-studded lineup for tonight's finale: report
02:19 , Rachel Dobkin
The Late Show finale will be a star-studded event with a leaked list of celebrity guests that includes singer Paul McCartney.
McCartney was one of the guests in the Ed Sullivan Theater today, returning again to the studio where he and the rest of The Beatles performed live in 1964, Deadline has reported.
Former Late Show bandleader Jon Batiste also performed for the finale, according to the outlet.
Here’s a list of other stars that reportedly made an appearance at the live taping:
- Paul Rudd
- Bryan Cranston
- Ryan Reynolds
Late Show makes big effort to hide surprise guests for finale
02:00 , Rachel Dobkin
The Late Show has taken the secrecy of tonight’s guests very seriously, with a security tower stationed outside the Ed Sullivan Theater to shield the identity of anyone entering.
The tower at the stage door had heavy curtains and security guards around it, Deadline detailed.
“Whoever you are, we love you!” one fan yelled.
Trump's political rivals shower Stephen Colbert with praise ahead of Late Show finale
01:30 , Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump's political rivals have showered Stephen Colbert with praise ahead of the Late Show finale.
“There aren’t many who can make people think and laugh at the same time. For years, Stephen brought wit, heart, and honesty to late night television,” former President Joe Biden wrote on Instagram.
“America could always count on a laugh — and sometimes a needed reality check. Congrats on an incredible run, my friend,” he added.
Hillary Clinton, Trump’s opponent during the 2016 election, wrote on Instagram, “Alongside his great wit, Stephen brought deep thoughtfulness, empathy, and humility to the late-night stage.”
Late Show staffer shares video of Colbert's warm up act before finale
01:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Paul Mecurio, a comedian at the Late Show, has shared a video of Colbert's warm up act before the finale.
In the video posted to X, Colbert’s colleagues are seen and heard clapping. Colbert then bangs onto a storage rack backstage, joining in on the beat.
After one final look at his crew, Colbert walks on stage to the taping of tonight’s show.
The live audience can be heard cheering loudly as the host appears from backstage.
Stephen Colbert walked on stage to 'deafening cheers' during Late Show taping: report
Friday 22 May 2026 00:30 , Rachel Dobkin
Stephen Colbert walked on stage to “deafening cheers” during the taping of the Late Show finale, according to CNN’s Brian Stelter.
The taping of the last "Late Show" is underway now; Stephen Colbert walked out on stage to deafening cheers a few minutes ago
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) May 21, 2026
Who will be on the Late Show tonight?
Friday 22 May 2026 00:00 , Rachel Dobkin
The Late Show has decided to keep its finale a surprise to fans.
Viewers won’t know who tonight's guests will be until they walk out on stage, and the segments have also been under wraps.
There are some guests we could presumably cancel out, including his longtime friend Jon Stewart. The comedian appeared on the show earlier this week.
It’s also unlikely his fellow late night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and John Oliver will appear tonight, since they were on the show last week.
Kamala Harris thanks Stephen Colbert for 'so many memorable conversations'
Thursday 21 May 2026 23:30 , Rachel Dobkin
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has paid tribute to Stephen Colbert’s time on late night TV, thanking him for “so many memorable conversations.”
“Stephen Colbert has a talent for making people laugh and encouraging them to stay curious, stay engaged, and stay hopeful about the world around them,” she wrote on X ahead of his final show.
Stephen Colbert has a talent for making people laugh and encouraging them to stay curious, stay engaged, and stay hopeful about the world around them.@StephenAtHome: Thank you for your voice, your creativity, and so many memorable conversations over the years. Cheers to you. pic.twitter.com/etK8Izb7NY
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 21, 2026
CBS’ Late Show was canceled days after Colbert criticized the network’s parent company, Paramount, over a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump.
The settlement was part of a legal dispute in which Trump’s team accused 60 Minutes of deceptively editing a 2024 interview with Harris, his political opponent in the last presidential election.
Trump sends Stephen Colbert a warning ahead of final Late Show airing
Thursday 21 May 2026 23:00 , Rhian Lubin
Donald Trump isn’t letting Stephen Colbert fade into the sunset without having the last word.
When asked Wednesday about his thoughts on the end of the late night show, Trump, 79, issued a single ominous statement: “I'll have a message at a later date.”
The White House also issued its own statement to The Independent, celebrating Colbert’s final show.
Caitlin Hornik has more.
Trump sends Stephen Colbert a warning ahead of final Late Show airing
Why was the Late Show canceled?
Thursday 21 May 2026 22:30 , Inga Parkel
The network announced the cancellation last July in a statement, describing Colbert as “irreplaceable” and citing a “financial decision.”
However, because the sudden cancellation came days after Colbert criticized the network’s parent company, Paramount, for reaching a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over accusations that its newsmagazine series 60 Minutes deceptively edited a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, numerous politicians and celebrities have suggested that it was politically motivated.
“As someone who’s always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended. And I don’t know if anything will ever repair my trust in this company,” the host said. “But just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help.”
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a frequent Colbert guest, questioned CBS’s motives, demanding that “America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.”
“CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery,” she suggested on X, alongside a clip of Colbert’s show in which he denounced Paramount’s settlement.
Stars pay tribute to Colbert ahead of final show
Thursday 21 May 2026 22:00 , Rhian Lubin
The stars have been paying tribute to Stephen Colbert on social media ahead of his final Late Show tonight.
Fellow late-night host Conan O’Brien said Colbert was moving on to “bigger and better things,” while Star Wars actor Mark Hamill thanked him for “decades of laughs.”
Here's to Stephen Colbert, a man of great integrity and wit. Onward, friend, to bigger and better things. pic.twitter.com/FN6EkVv4UK
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) May 21, 2026
Pictured: Fans line up in the rain ahead of Colbert's final show
Thursday 21 May 2026 21:30 , Rhian Lubin
Stephen Colbert set to sign off from Late Show for final time tonight
Thursday 21 May 2026 21:04 , Rhian Lubin
Comedian Stephen Colbert is set to sign off from CBS’s long-running Late Show franchise for the final time as it comes to an end Thursday after 33 years.
It originated in 1993 with David Letterman, who later passed the torch to Colbert in 2015.
We’ll bring you the latest throughout the night.
