Stephen Colbert directly addressed viewers in his final monologue on The Late Show, expressing gratitude for their support over the past 11 years. The 62-year-old host began the broadcast by acknowledging the audience, stating, "This show, I want you to know, has been a joy for us to do for you. In fact, we call this show The Joy Machine."
End of an Era for Late Night Television
The final episode of the long-running CBS programme marks the end of a 33-year franchise, which began with David Letterman in 1993. Letterman handed the reins to Colbert in 2015, and the network has promised an extended send-off beyond the usual one-hour time slot. CBS announced the cancellation last July, shortly after Colbert criticised parent company Paramount for reaching a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over allegations that 60 Minutes deceptively edited a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Behind the Scenes Reactions
CBS staffers told The Independent that the settlement was a continuation of what they called the "Trump shakedown." More details are expected to follow as the broadcast concludes.
