Final Episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert concluded his tenure at The Late Show amidst mixed feelings about CBS’s surprise cancellation. Bruce Springsteen’s guest appearance made Wednesday’s second-to-last episode memorable as he performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” delivering sharp criticisms aimed at CBS leadership and their ties to former President Trump. Springsteen attributed the show’s end to the inability of CBS’s parent company leadership to appreciate humor.
Springsteen’s acoustic performance matched his bold lyrics, contrasting the otherwise lighthearted episode. Colbert’s celebrity friends including Billy Crystal, Josh Brolin, and Tiffany Haddish asked the 15-question “Colbert Questionert,” generating playful exchanges but barely allowing Colbert to connect deeply with his guests. The episode touched viewers deeply when Colbert announced a significant donation to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, prompting Andrés to praise Colbert as “the best of us.”
Colbert seemed restrained, holding back emotions he and his audience might have wanted to openly express. The episodes served as a buildup toward an emotional farewell, promising a cathartic finale.
Jon Stewart Returns for an Emotional Send-Off
Tuesday’s episode featured Jon Stewart, Colbert’s former boss, jokingly acknowledging that both had their shows canceled by Paramount. They reminisced, joking about Stewart’s prior cancellation and shared anecdotes with enthusiasm. Andra Day sang “Rise Up,” adding a poignant musical touch.
A standout musical moment arose when David Byrne performed “Burning Down the House” with his musician troupe, joined by Colbert himself. An atmosphere of celebratory abandon filled the set as Colbert danced, savoring his remaining time on the show.
Farewell Week Begins with Unspectacular Highlights
On Monday, Colbert opted for unconventional nostalgia by presenting rejected segments and skits, reflecting the show’s distinct approach. Highlights included a fake ad labeled “erotic body gravy” and a satirical “Graphics Graveyard” featuring an unused Hillary Clinton presidency image. Even longtime staffer Brian Stack’s “Shrieking Joe” skit, often ditched due to low ratings, saw the light of day.
Colbert marked camaraderie with his team while diverting from typical grand nostalgia associated with farewells. Though lacking substantial celebratory content, the evening radiated the team’s tight-knit dynamics. Colbert’s writers even joined Paul Shaffer in a fish-themed parody rendition of Shaffer’s disco hit, “It’s Raining Men.” The week thus began with unconventional, yet sincere gratitude and an acknowledgment of the team’s journey over the years.
With the finale looming, fans anticipated heartfelt moments celebrating Colbert’s influence as a prominent satirist in late-night television.