Stephen Colbert hosted the final broadcast of The Late Show on CBS Thursday night from the Ed Sullivan Theater, bringing the historic late-night franchise to a close after 33 years on air.
The network decided to retire the program due to financial difficulties in the challenging late-night market, prompting emotional farewells from prominent media figures and comedians in the final weeks.
>>> CBS Cancels The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Amid Broadcast TV Financial Woes
Farewells from Letterman, Stewart, and Fallon
Former host David Letterman, who launched the franchise in 1993, returned to the set for a classic stunt and shared his perspective on the transition.
“You folks wouldn't be in the theater if it weren't for me, and Stephen wouldn't be here if it weren't for me, and we rebuilt this theater, and then Stephen came in and look at this, it's like the Bellagio,” said Letterman.
Letterman also reflected on the nature of television cancellations.
“As we all understand, you can take a man's show, you can't take a man's voice,” he said.
Longtime colleague Jon Stewart appeared on the program to offer support during Colbert's final week. “You have maintained such grace through this process,” said Stewart.
NBC late-night host Jimmy Fallon expressed his thoughts on the sudden conclusion. “I think it's odd the way it ended for you.
And it's a bummer because I wanted to do this longer with you,” said Fallon.
Colbert delivered a collective message of gratitude to his fellow hosts during a recent joint appearance.
“You guys have been wonderful friends and great models for me, and I'm so glad to know and love all of you,” said Colbert.
Colbert Reflects on His Tenure
Prior to the finale, Colbert accepted an Emmy Award for outstanding talk series, acknowledging the network and the format's history.
“I want to thank CBS for giving us the privilege to be part of the late-night tradition, which I hope continues long after we're no longer doing this show,” he said.
When breaking the news of the network's financial decision to his studio audience last summer, Colbert described his decade behind the desk.
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“I've had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years,” he said.
He added a humorous remark about the highly sought-after position. “It is a fantastic job.
I wish somebody else was getting it,” said Colbert.
In a recent interview with People magazine, Colbert discussed the personal toll and future opportunities. “You can't do this forever.
… Who knows, maybe CBS saved my life,” he said.
He explained the demanding schedule and his transition plans.
“It takes a lot of marrow to do this show every day, and now I'll step back with enough time and energy to do other things I want to do,” said Colbert.
Tributes from Hanks, Winfrey, and Allen
Actor Tom Hanks honored Colbert during the final stretch by presenting him with a typewriter.
“I don't know how the entertainment industrial complex is going to survive without you,” said Hanks.
Oprah Winfrey also shared her gratitude. “Thank you so much for holding the space for laughter,” said Winfrey.
Byron Allen, whose show Comics Unleashed will replace Colbert's time slot next month, commented on the change. “I love Stephen Colbert.
>>> Fans Gather Outside Ed Sullivan Theater for Final Colbert Show
I'm a big fan,” said Allen.
