Stephen Colbert has signed off from The Late Show for the final time, delivering a heartfelt monologue in which he thanked viewers for their loyalty over the past 11 years. The comedian and talk show host closed the broadcast by saying directly to the camera: ‘Thanks for being here.’
Colbert took over the iconic late-night slot from David Letterman in 2015, following a celebrated run on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. His tenure on CBS saw him interview hundreds of high-profile guests, from politicians to Hollywood stars, and navigate the tumultuous Trump and Biden presidencies with his trademark blend of satire and earnestness.
Though primarily a US fixture, Colbert’s work has resonated with British audiences. He won a BAFTA TV Award for Best International Programme in 2014 for The Colbert Report, and his show has been available on Sky Atlantic and via catch-up services in the UK, though it is not currently listed on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, or major streamers like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Clips from the final episode are expected to circulate on YouTube.
The late-night landscape in the UK is markedly different, with programmes such as The Graham Norton Show and Have I Got News for You dominating the chat-show format. Colbert’s departure marks the end of an era for American political satire, which has often been cited as an influence on UK comedy writers.
Colbert’s final show featured a mix of retrospective clips and a live performance, though full details of the broadcast have not been disclosed. CBS has not yet announced a permanent replacement for the slot.