The articles collectively highlight the conclusion of Stephen Colbert's 11-year tenure as host of 'The Late Show,' marking a significant moment in late-night television history. Colbert's final episode attracted an impressive 6.7 million viewers, demonstrating a strong farewell audience, albeit lower than the final shows of his predecessors, Jay Leno and David Letterman. This moment was celebrated with a special performance by Paul McCartney and reflections on Colbert’s impact on the show and the late-night landscape.
Stephen Colbert's final episode of 'The Late Show' garnered 6.7 million viewers, significantly higher than his average for the season. This figure is about half of the viewership that Jay Leno and David Letterman had for their last shows.
Stephen Colbert's final episode of 'The Late Show' aired on May 22, 2026, featuring a performance by Paul McCartney. The broadcast included reflections on Colbert's time as host and appearances from various guests.
Stephen Colbert ended his 11-year run on 'The Late Show' on May 22, 2026, and appeared on a local Michigan television station the next day. He shared insights about his time on the show and future plans during the segment.