UMVA has learned that Stephen Colbert's final episode of The Late Show was a masterclass in subtle revenge, as he cleverly orchestrated a musical performance that could cost his former network, CBS, millions of dollars in royalties.
The late-night host, known for his sharp wit and satire, ended his 11-season run with a clever stunt, as his band played licensed music from the popular brand Peanuts, which is protected by stringent copyright laws. Colbert began the segment by telling his audience that Peanuts is a powerful brand and corporation, and that anyone using their music without permission would have to pay dearly.
Colbert's band then proceeded to play the iconic jazz music, with the host jokingly asking if they were indeed playing the same Peanuts music that could get them sued. The musician replied in the affirmative, prompting Colbert to feign concern about the potential cost to CBS, saying "Oh no, I hope this doesn't cost CBS any money!"
This move has been hailed by fans as a bold and hilarious gesture, with many praising Colbert's cunning and creativity. One viewer described it as the "greatest exit in television history," saying that Colbert would cost the network millions in royalties and "smiled through the whole thing."
Colbert was joined by a slew of A-list celebrities, including Sir Paul McCartney, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, who all came to bid him farewell. The episode was a fitting tribute to Colbert's remarkable run, which began in 2015 when he took over from David Letterman.
The Peanuts music controversy is not an isolated incident, as the brand's owners have recently sued the US government over alleged unauthorized use of their songs in social media posts and a video game. The dispute highlights the complex and often contentious world of copyright law, where powerful brands and corporations fiercely protect their intellectual property.
As Colbert signed off for the final time, his departure from CBS was marked by a sense of loss and appreciation for his contributions to late-night television. Despite speculation that his departure was linked to his criticism of Donald Trump, Colbert's parting gift to CBS will be remembered as a witty and audacious move that will go down in television history.
