Stephen Colbert's final episode of "The Late Show" airs Thursday, May 21, marking the end of an eight-year run for the CBS late-night staple. Colbert launched the show in September 2015, following his departure from "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central.
The broadcast wraps one of late-night television's most successful tenures. Colbert built the show into a ratings powerhouse, consistently competing with rivals like Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show" and Jimmy Kimmel's "Jimmy Kimmel Live." His monologues became must-see content for politically engaged audiences, particularly during the Trump and Biden administrations, when his commentary on current events drove viral moments and cultural conversation.
The Late Show tapped into Colbert's particular brand of comedy, blending sharp political satire with musical performances and celebrity interviews. The show's format allowed Colbert to interview high-profile guests and showcase emerging musical talent while maintaining his signature comedic voice. Episodes frequently trended on social media, especially during election cycles and major news events.
CBS has not yet announced Colbert's immediate successor, though the network will likely seek another high-profile personality to anchor its late-night lineup. The late-night landscape has shifted considerably since 2015, with streaming platforms now competing with traditional broadcast television for audience attention and talent.
Viewers can stream the final episode on Paramount Plus, CBS's streaming service, which carries full episodes of the show. The episode will also air on CBS proper at its standard time slot. For those who prefer to catch up, Paramount Plus maintains a library of past episodes from throughout Colbert's tenure.
The finale represents a significant moment for late-night television, which continues to adapt to changing media consumption habits. Colbert's eight-year run demonstrated that traditional late-night formats still possess cultural relevance