Stephen Colbert is wrapping up his run on “The Late Show,” which ends on May 21 after CBS decided to cancel it. As a farewell, Colbert’s last few episodes will feature some of the biggest names in late-night television.
On May 11, fans can look forward to a roundtable with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver. These hosts worked with Colbert in 2023 on a podcast called “Strike Force Five.” They created it during the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes, using proceeds to support the crew members who faced financial hardships.
On May 14, David Letterman, the show’s original host, will visit. After hosting “Late Night” from 1982 to 1993, he transitioned to “The Late Show” on CBS and passed the torch to Colbert in 2015.
Colbert’s final episodes will also feature appearances from stars like John Krasinski, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pedro Pascal, and Tom Hanks. Viewers can expect exciting segments, too—like “Kids Pitch” with Jenny Slate and friends, a Broadway performance with popular stars, and a segment featuring a “Colbert Questionert” with Barack Obama. The band The Strokes will also perform.
CBS announced the cancellation in July 2025, citing financial reasons. However, many believe it was more than just that. Colbert, known for his sharp criticism of Donald Trump, faced pushback during a sensitive time when CBS’s parent company, Paramount, was navigating a sale to Skydance. Critics, including Letterman, feel the cancellation was driven by pressure from higher-ups.
In a candid moment, Letterman criticized CBS, calling them “lying weasels” during an interview. He suggested that the fears of repercussions from Colbert’s politically charged content played a role in the network’s decision.
Colbert’s farewell marks the end of an era for late-night television. His blend of humor, current events, and pointed political commentary made him a standout figure, and his absence will certainly be felt in the entertainment landscape. The show’s impact reflects the changing dynamics between media and politics, illustrating how public discourse is shaped in the modern era.
For more on the state of late-night television and its evolving landscape, check out this article from the New York Times.
Source link
Stephen Colbert,The Late Show
