Host Stephen Colbert signed off from the final episode of CBS's The Late Show on Thursday night at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, ending the late-night program's historic 33-year run alongside special guest Sir Paul McCartney.
The network and its parent company, Paramount, announced the surprise cancellation of the show in July last year due to financial decisions amid a challenging late-night television market, citing projected losses of up to $50 million.
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Colbert, who hosted the program for 11 seasons after succeeding David Letterman in 2015, opened his farewell broadcast by delivering his regular monologue and addressing the audience about the reality of his long-running tenure.
"We call [the show] the joy machine, because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine.
But the thing is, if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn't hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears," said Colbert.
The host then expressed his deep gratitude for the television production team that supported him throughout his decade-long run at the network.
"I cannot adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other and how much we mean to each other," said Colbert.
Addressing the crowd's audible disappointment regarding the network's cancellation notice, Colbert urged the audience to appreciate the time they had together.
"No, no, we were lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years. You can't take this for granted," said Colbert.
As speculation mounted throughout the evening regarding the identity of the final guest, Colbert joked about his future career plans after stepping away from the late-night desk.
"A lot of people have been asking me what I plan to do after tonight, and the answer is drugs," said Colbert.
Colbert, a devout Catholic, initially attempted to introduce the Pope as his final guest of the evening before a staff member interrupted the segment.
"We didn't read his whole rider, and we didn't get him his snacks," said a Late Show staffer.
Following the backstage disruption, Colbert expressed his dismay to the studio audience after the supposed Vatican delegation abruptly exited the theater.
"The Pope, who was definitely my guest tonight, has cancelled. We already sent the other stars away.
This is terrible," said Colbert.
Colbert then questioned who would fill the final interview slot of the historic broadcast.
"Who's going to be my last guest now?" asked Colbert.
Sir Paul McCartney then appeared on set to reminisce about touring the United States and playing at the Ed Sullivan Theater with The Beatles in 1964.
"Where all the music we loved came from, all the rock 'n' roll, the blues and the whole thing...
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America was just the land of the free, the greatest democracy," said McCartney.
The musician concluded his thoughts on the country by noting his personal aspirations for the future of the nation.
"Yes, that was what it was. That's what it still is, hopefully," said McCartney.
Outside the venue, dedicated fans gathered under the marquee to express their appreciation for Colbert's contribution to late-night entertainment.
"We're just very sad that Stephen's leaving, and it's just going to leave a big hole in America," said Sarah Thompson, a fan.
Another attendee, Wendy Sloan, detailed her extensive travel arrangements to attend the final filming session in New York City.
"I would have really done anything to be here today," said Sloan.
The cancellation drew intense public scrutiny due to its timing, occurring days after Colbert criticized Paramount for a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
When questioned on Wednesday about the conclusion of the late-night series, Trump offered a brief comment regarding his future plans.
"I'll have a message at a later date," said Trump.
White House officials subsequently issued a sharp critique of Colbert's professional performance and the subsequent network cancellation.
"Stephen Colbert is a pathetic trainwreck with no talent and terrible ratings, which is exactly why CBS canceled his show and is booting him off the airwaves," said David Ingle, White House spokesman.
During Wednesday's broadcast, musician Bruce Springsteen criticized Paramount owners Larry and David Ellison before delivering an acoustic performance.
"I am here tonight in support of Stephen, because you're the first guy in America who's lost his show because we've got a president who can't take a joke," said Springsteen.
The singer continued his message to Colbert by addressing the actions of the network's ownership group.
"And because Larry and David Ellison feel the need to kiss his ass to get what they want.
Stephen, these are small-minded people who've got no idea what the freedoms of this beautiful country are supposed to be about.
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This is for you," said Springsteen.
