Additional Coverage:
- Stephen Colbert breaks with tradition as he kicks off show with emotional final monologue (themirror.com)
The final chapter of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert aired on Thursday, May 21, concluding a remarkable 33-year run of the series, as announced by CBS in July 2025.
Stephen Colbert’s farewell week featured a lineup of special guests and memorable performances, marking the end of his 11-year tenure as host since succeeding David Letterman in 2015. Breaking from late-night tradition, the 62-year-old comedian opened his last show with a heartfelt monologue, addressing both the live studio audience and viewers at home.
Before the show began, an explicit chalk message outside the Ed Sullivan Theater where the show was taped was erased as fans gathered to witness the final taping.
Stephen began his emotional address by reflecting on the show’s longevity. “Folks, um, we have done over 1800 of these shows,” he said. “Most nights, I come out here and talk to the audience beforehand, but tonight, I wanted to speak both to the people here and the audience at home.”
Directly engaging with the camera, Colbert shared the joy the show brought to everyone involved. “We call this show the Joy Machine,” he explained.
“We call it that because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine. But if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn’t hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears.”
The host took a moment to express gratitude toward the dedicated team behind the scenes, earning warm applause from the studio audience gathered at the iconic New York City venue.
“I just want to let all y’all know, both here and out there, how important you’ve been to what we’ve done,” Stephen continued. “The energy you’ve given us has been essential to delivering the best possible show over these last 11 years.”
He playfully described the unique bond between the show and its viewers as a “reciprocal emotional relationship,” emphasizing the mutual connection they shared.
Closing his final monologue, Colbert said, “We love doing this show for you, but what we really love is doing this show with you. Now, I’ll say what I’ve said to every audience for the last 11 years, and I’ve meant it every time: Have a good show.
Thanks for being here. And, let’s do it, y’all.”
With that, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert signed off, leaving behind a legacy of humor, heart, and genuine connection with its audience.