Hundreds of dedicated fans from across the United States gathered outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan on Thursday, May 21, 2026, to witness the final taping of CBS's "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."
The network decided to end the long-running late-night program due to financial difficulties facing legacy broadcast television segments.
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CBS also closed its unprofitable CBS News Radio division.
Observers and critics linked the cancellation to political tensions, viewing it as a capitulation to President Donald Trump after Colbert criticized a $16 million settlement paid by CBS's parent company to the president during an $8 billion merger review with Skydance Media.
Amid the crowd, some supporters traveled long distances, while others attempted to secure last-minute entry after months on waiting lists.
Former Cubs manager Jim Riggleman previously noted the pressures of late-night attention during his team's historic losing streaks.
"No one likes to be the brunt of jokes, the Jay Leno stuff," said Riggleman.
He explained that while he had not personally watched the segments, he was aware of the late-night commentary regarding his franchise.
"I haven't seen it, but I've heard about it. But this is the situation we put ourselves in," said Riggleman.
He later shared his perspective on the comedic style frequently employed by late-night talk hosts to target sports teams.
"I've never had time for sarcasm," said Riggleman.
He expressed that such comedic approaches did not appeal to his personal tastes despite their enduring market popularity.
"It's a cheap laugh. It's very easy for people to use sarcasm.
A lot of people use it … it's their 'shtick.'
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There will always be a market for it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it," said Riggleman.
Media personalities have historically integrated sports cultural references into their evening broadcasts.
Late-night television pioneer David Letterman highlighted the struggles of the Chicago baseball franchise during a broadcast featuring guest Harry Caray in 1986.
"If you happen to be at Wrigley Field and you can make it through seven innings of watching the Cubs …" said Letterman.
During a 2022 broadcast, Colbert continued this comedic tradition by commenting on first baseman Frank Schwindel's performance as a relief pitcher during a game against the New York Yankees.
"I'm no baseball player," said Colbert.
He concluded the joke by taking a swipe at the athlete's performance on the mound.
"And apparently neither is Frank Schwindel," said Colbert.
The comedian also recalled his personal history and connections to various Chicago neighborhoods during his pre-show visits to the city.
Meanwhile, fans waiting outside the theater in New York expressed a mixture of excitement and sadness over the program's conclusion.
Audience member Aaron Walsh completed a 15-hour drive from Lansing, Michigan, to attend the final broadcast.
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"It is sinking in we are in New York City and here to see the show," said Walsh.
