‘We were lucky’: Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ bids farewell in final broadcast on CBS

‘We were lucky’: Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Concludes Eleven-Year Run on CBS

We were lucky – Stephen Colbert delivered a heartfelt and reflective final episode of his iconic late-night talk show, “The Late Show,” on Thursday night, marking the end of a decade-long partnership with CBS. The episode, held at the Ed Sullivan Theater, was filled with gratitude toward his team, the studio audience, and his loyal viewers. Colbert’s farewell was tinged with both nostalgia and a touch of existential humor, as he acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the occasion.

A Symbolic End to an Era

As Colbert took the stage to enthusiastic applause, the atmosphere was electric, with longtime friends and special guests filling the theater. He opened with a humorous remark about the show’s cancellation, stating, “If you’re just tuning in, you’ve missed a lot.” This line subtly pointed to the politically driven decision by CBS’s parent company, Paramount, to end the program. While the network cited financial strains as the primary reason, many fans speculated that the move was influenced by the Trump administration’s pressure, particularly due to Colbert’s sharp critiques of the former president.

“Amazing he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. … Thank goodness he’s finally gone!”

Trump’s reaction was a highlight of the evening, as his social media post celebrating the show’s end was featured in the finale. Colbert, however, chose not to address Trump directly during the broadcast, instead focusing on appreciation for his time at CBS. He emphasized the value of his years on the show, expressing that viewers should cherish the experience rather than take it for granted.

Guest Stars and Nostalgic Moments

Despite the somber undertones, the episode was peppered with moments of levity. Notable celebrity guests like Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, and Tim Meadows vied for the final spotlight, but the seat ultimately went to Paul McCartney. The choice was symbolic, as McCartney and The Beatles had once performed on the same stage decades earlier, during the legendary 1964 “Ed Sullivan Show.”

“What could be more full circle than a crowd screaming for Paul McCartney at the Ed Sullivan Theater?”

McCartney’s appearance allowed Colbert to reflect on the evolution of his own career. The host joked about his resistance to change, mirroring McCartney’s own stance on the iPhone’s frequent updates: “I bought you. I don’t want you to change.” Colbert, while empathizing with the sentiment, hinted at his willingness to embrace new challenges in the future, even if it meant embracing a life of “drugs” after the show ended.

Political Currents and Late-Night Rivals

Throughout the evening, Colbert subtly addressed the broader landscape of late-night television. He acknowledged the political tensions that had shaped his tenure, particularly the pressure from the Trump administration. This theme extended to the show’s closing moments, where Colbert imagined an “interdimensional wormhole” had opened at the theater, threatening to swallow the entire genre of late-night programming.

“At some point, this may come for all of our shows,”

John Oliver, host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight,” quipped from the audience, adding a layer of humor to the show’s symbolic end. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel of ABC referenced his own recent struggles with the Trump administration, joking that the wormhole had appeared at his show but “went away after about three days.” Jon Stewart, Colbert’s former colleague on Comedy Central, delivered a pointed remark at the expense of Paramount, remarking, “Paramount strongly believes in covering both sides of any black hole that is swallowing everything we know and love, and the coverage must also include the positive aspects of the insatiable emptiness.”

Legacy and Final Performances

The episode wrapped with two memorable taped performances, blending Colbert’s legacy with the shared history of the Ed Sullivan Theater. First, Colbert joined Elvis Costello and former “Late Show” bandleader Jon Batiste in reimagining Costello’s 1977 demo “Jump Up,” a song that critiques hypocritical politicians. The performance was a nod to Colbert’s own role as a satirical voice, embodying the spirit of the track with his signature wit.

In the closing moments, the show took a whimsical turn, envisioning the Ed Sullivan Theater as a snow globe. This visual metaphor, reminiscent of the 1980s drama “St. Elsewhere,” suggested that the entire era of late-night television might have been nothing more than a dream. The final act was a fitting tribute to the show’s journey, from its beginnings to its eventual conclusion.

As the lights dimmed and the final notes of “Hello, Goodbye” echoed through the theater, it was clear that Colbert had left a lasting impression. His monologues and interviews had long been a platform for dissecting the news, often reminding viewers that they were “not crazy” when confronted with shocking stories. This ability to balance humor with insight defined his time on the show, creating a unique space where entertainment and commentary intertwined.

A New Chapter

Colbert’s departure from CBS marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one. While the show’s cancellation was a significant event, Colbert’s farewell was characterized by a sense of closure and gratitude. He had transformed from a satirical character on Comedy Central to a revered late-night host, navigating the complexities of politics, pop culture, and personal growth.

With his final episode complete, the question remains: what lies ahead for Colbert? The host hinted at a possible shift in his career, suggesting he might embrace a more spontaneous approach to his future projects. Yet, his enduring connection to the late-night audience—rooted in his early days as a blowhard on the “Colbert Report”—remains a testament to his ability to resonate with viewers across the years.

Colbert’s journey from the Ed Sullivan Theater to the spotlight of the “Late Show” has been one of resilience and reinvention. His ability to adapt, whether by tackling the ever-changing landscape of media or by maintaining a strong rapport with his audience, has been central to his success. As the final curtain fell, the legacy of his work on the show continued to echo, leaving a lasting mark on the world of television.

Streaming now: “The Last Laugh: Stephen Colbert” captures the essence of his final farewell, offering fans a chance to revisit the memorable moments that defined his time on the air. The show’s enduring appeal lies not only in its humor but also in its ability to reflect the cultural and political currents of its time, ensuring that its impact will be felt for years to come.