UMVA has learned that Stephen Colbert bid a heartfelt farewell to his audience on Thursday evening, marking the end of an era for The Late Show after 11 years at the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.
As Colbert signed off for the last time, he took a moment to thank his devoted viewers, while also using the platform to subtly criticize his employer, CBS, in a move that left many in the industry buzzing. The episode, aptly titled “Hello, Goodbye,” was a masterclass in balancing nostalgia and humor.
Colbert opened the show with a poignant monologue, reflecting on the journey of The Late Show and expressing his gratitude to the audience. “We love doing this show for you, but what we really, really love is doing the show with you,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
The episode seamlessly wove together moments of appreciation and reflection, with Colbert and his guests playfully poking fun at CBS and the circumstances surrounding the show's cancellation. The humor was typical of Colbert's style, leaving viewers laughing and nodding in agreement.
As the news of Colbert's departure spread, speculation swirled about the final guest on the show. Rumors ran rampant, with some suggesting it could be Pope Leo XIV, a long-held “white whale” guest for Colbert. The speculation only added to the excitement and anticipation for the final episode.
Colbert played into the rumors, teasing the audience with a comedic sketch featuring a faux Pope Leo XIV. Ultimately, the honor of being the final guest fell to the legendary Paul McCartney, who joined Colbert for a heartfelt conversation about his career and upcoming projects.
The appearance by McCartney was a nod to history, as the Beatles performed their first American show at the Ed Sullivan Theater, the same venue where Colbert hosted The Late Show for 11 years. The musician gifted Colbert a signed photo of the group performing at the theater, a touching moment that underscored the significance of the occasion.
The late-night community rallied around Colbert, with fellow hosts like Jimmy Kimmel airing reruns in solidarity. Colbert's fellow members of “Strike Force Five” – Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Oliver, and Seth Meyers – joined him for a hilarious skit poking fun at the end of late-night television as they knew it.
As The Late Show comes to a close, the industry is left to ponder the changing landscape of late-night television. With viewership declining and the media landscape evolving, the departure of Colbert's show marks a significant shift in the world of entertainment.
The Ed Sullivan Theater has a rich history, dating back to 1993 when The Late Show first premiered with David Letterman at the helm. Over the years, the show has hosted a diverse range of celebrities, politicians, and notable figures, cementing its place as a cultural institution.
As Colbert took his final bow, he left the stage with Paul McCartney, and together they performed the Beatles' classic, “Hello, Goodbye.” The moment was a fitting tribute to a show that has been a staple of American entertainment for decades.
