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Stephen Colbert ends The Late Show, finale posts strong ratings

tvMay 23, 202611635,256

Stephen Colbert closed The Late Show on CBS with a star-studded, “normal” finale after a nearly 11-year run. CBS said canceling The Late Show was a purely financial decision amid Colbert’s feud with Donald Trump, and the finale became Colbert’s most-watched weeknight episode. Bruce Springsteen appeared on the episode and told the audience Colbert lost his show because “we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke.” The show’s set will be donated to the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, underlining the program’s cultural legacy as networks rethink late-night economics.

Mark Hamill
@markhamillofficial.bsky.social

I've never seen a series finale as funny, emotionally impactful and downright spectacular as last night's Late Show! What a pleasure it was to meet the hundreds of staff members and thank them personally (and pose for selfies) for entertaining us for more than a decade. ♥️🙏-mh #GoneButNeverForgotten

2141157d ago
enrich12110

I look forward to seeing what Stephen Colbert will do next! He is A+ for Democracy. #FreeSpeech

SavRTruthTiger 💙🌊🌊🌊💙91

We wanted to show support for Stephen Colbert & send a tiny but satisfying message to Ellison/Paramount/CBS So, thru Amazon Prime, we signed up for a Free Trial of Paramount+, watched his last two shows, LOVED THEM, and then Canceled our Paramount+ subscription. You, too, can do the same.

Linda Drogin75

Just watched the “Hello Goodbye” finale for the 5th time. In this downright awful time, the celebration of comic genius, brilliant musicians, kindness, friendship, gave me such happiness. We need to remember these moments used to be a normal part of life.

janiejo.bsky.social64

We need this man. #ColbertAintDone

sam1am4bg.bsky.social55

Stephen Colbert has a far greater wealth than any billionaire. Bc he has the love, respect & support of millions of people. People that will make CBS suffer for this. Bc Colbert is more popular than Trump. He made us choose & Trump is the real loser here. Everything he touches dies.

♿️Daniel (Dan) 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🐺38

I'm gonna miss this show alot... Colbert always helped me learn the news in a way that i understood and could find a bit of humor in the darkness. I hope he gets another show somewhere else.

ArtMan -Looks Blue to me #BlueResisters37

NO MORE CBS FOR ME!

Ashland Forest Dweller27

You are a true friend . . . bsky.app/profile/vafo...

Brent26

The touch of a beatle Turining off the lights brought tears to my eyes

Parity 🦜24

The last shot of all the people who worked on the show and affected by the CBS kowtowing was powerful. 💙💪

justbegreene.bsky.social24

You’re a good man Mark Hamil!

Grandalorian23

It WAS downright spectacular!!! I may have had a few memories rolling down my face. 🥹🥹🥹

kittygonz33.bsky.social21

Was really great ! I enjoyed it and am sad at the same time 😞

BlueBaby17

I agree but in the end. It was heartbreaking. We the people cant allow this to happen again or we're screwed. I will never watch anything on that channel again.

Sherrerd13

Yes, Colbert and his team did a superb job of creating a memorable final week. (And you were part of that!)

SAM12

Stephen Colbert produced a beautiful show! CBS has chosen to cancel CBS! Stephen is loved by millions of viewers! CBS is hated for being a weak network and bending the knee to the felon is a death knell to this station.

Bill Kreighbaum11

He is the epitome of class

Hedley Lamar's fugly sister10

I kind of can't be sad because it feels like he's getting evicted from a shithole and the only place to go is UP! CONGRATULATIONS STEPHEN COLBERT ON YOUR NEW FOUND FREEDOM

Doug10

I kept my paramount subscription SOLELY to watch his show its last months. The finale did not disappoint and left me in tears. And as soon as it ended:

Robyn Christofides 🇦🇺🦘10

How sad America.The nation that has freedom of speech enshrined in its constitution is now having it destroyed by corporate entities who don't want to upset a thin-skinned, insecure, fascist POTUS who cannot bear any criticism & can't take a joke.Colbert is a casualty of his ego. It's truly tragic.

Mary Frances Scullion10

Stephen Colbert will be back. All the threatened comedians should buy their own station. Bet a go fund me would gain millions #FuckTrump #IrrumaboTuba

📎Sprout10

Was delighted you were a part of the show, Mark.

JustinUlster9

CBS couldn’t bring Paul McCartney to the Ed Sullivan Theatre without Stephen Colbert. CBS won’t have that kind of viewership again for a long time, if ever. I wonder how many sponsors this will cost them? bsky.app/profile/drha...

Nice Old Geezer Opposes Fascist Dictators9

I recorded it, yet I hesitate to watch, because when it’s over, it’s over. 🥹

Tim Murphy9

Whatever Colbert does for his next chapter, it must be called - “Stephen Colbert: Unchained!

Perogi Pete8

Watching the finale was sad, uncomfortable and except for the pre-recorded bits, stephen looked embarrassed to be there. Tough night and tough to watch, to be perfectly honest. Change is coming at us fast and furious. Seeing the Late Show lights go off was super sad.

The Frankenmuppet🇨🇦6

More than anything, I'm excited to see what he gets up to with his rumored Tolkien project... That's more exciting than anything he's done late night (and I've been watching him since before the Report even)

PrettyGonzo6

Was gr8 to see you! Such an ace finale for Colbert & for the history of CBS, a once gr8 network for entertainment & broadcast news. “And that’s the way it is,” Conkrite would say. So ends CBS, for it truly exists no longer. I’ll never forget the last show I watched on it.TY for being part of it! :)

Blake6

Gonna miss the laughs his show brought when the world seemed darkest.

@Darwin6

Check your media feeds. Both of these memes I put together are because people are speaking out and this is real. However, I would not wish this on such a wonderful person, like Stephen. Pedo...oh yeah! One day we are soooOOOooo gonna party!

Professor Roberta6

I will miss Steven so much he has made my night for 11 years. I blame that piece of shit Trump for all of this. He's not only is taking our tax money to do whatever he wants to do with it and now he takes away our laughter at night because he doesn't want anyone joking about him.

Kenobi6

Run for office we say!

Aunt Tifa6

That's the other thing that bothers me, it's not just Colbert, it's all the people behind the scene! So when the felon "cheers" for the cancellation of the Late Show, he's also "cheering" for the unemployment of all of them

Chuck Eddy5

Agreed! Will look forward to his next gig. Last night was the last time I will watch CBS.

oligarchssuck.bsky.social5

A big F U to the thin skinned oligarchs who have ZERO respect for the First Amendment and our Constitution.

Maureen Rogers5

I've been thinking about how so many tributes mention what a good man Stephen Colbert is - and how never will we ever hear those words said about DJT. What a touching, sweet, funny way for Colbert to close this chapter. It was perfection.

Bela F Lugosi4

We don't get the Late Show in UK but my US friends are grieving Mr Hamill....I think someone's playing Where's Luke with the Star Wars Albums!!

exhaustedjesus.bsky.social4

The penultimate and the final show were insanely good!! Loved you Mark Hamill, and all the guests administering the Colbert Questionnaire. I love how he went out showing the amazing genius and gift he is. suck it cbs and paramount. My son is canceling our paramount+ today (at my request.)

CitizenCat 🫘 🐈🧶🖊️🏺4

I had no idea how amazing his voice was!

Eric Zanconato3

I hope Colbert makes a comeback on a streaming service, like YouTube. I have this feeling that he’s not done with entertainment; rather, he’s done entertaining the Trump machine that CBS has become. Maybe rename it TTN (Trump Television Network)? Fox needs a new friend to spill more misinformation.

bles59.bsky.social3

Watched up in 🇨🇦! Sad and angry to see him gone! That finale was beautiful!

paulhosking.bsky.social3

So much class across one stage in so short a time.

🔥🗽🔥SoCal Redhead🔥🗽🔥3

NPR should offer him a show. It'd piss off trump.

Hillary Hillarious3

Ironically, it will go down in history as one of the greatest and most memorable moments in broadcast history.

MaryES.bsky.social 😻💙📎3

The Late Show was just his warmup.

A. Elizabeth West3

I love that man. (Love you too, Mark!)

Mysomerset3

Stephen Colbert can sing, dance, act AND has a sense of humor. OLDdonOLD has none of these skills.

Laura Carter3

That finale made me cry. All Americans need to wake the hell up or everything that made us the greatest country in the world will be destroyed.

bigmonty1.bsky.social3

Whatever he decides to do I’m sure it will be significantly more impactful and garner much more attention and support than anything orange Pedolf will ever do‼️ Steven is an absolute genius with comedy and a wonderful human ‼️

Cindi3

I can't wait to see what Colbert's next project will be. Hoping he continues his wit and humor on another platform. MeidasTouch has offered him a position which I would definitely watch. Colbert demonstrated great poise and class. The orange 💩 can never be a class act like Colbert.

HEY IT’S RICK3

Irony would be Colbert getting an uninhibited Netflix show, and their subscription numbers skyrocket because of it, while Skydance/Paramount+ plummets.

Mimi3

I loved the show so much. I recorded it but can't rewatch it yet, afraid I'll cry again. I recorded his show every nite to watch the next day in case I fell asleep. It was like being w/an old friend for the last decade. I know he'll end up doing something, but President Colbert sounds great.

NO GAS IS COMING! STOCK UP, SAVE WATER, PREP EVERY DAY!!3

Agreed! I loved it! If a series as amazing as Colbert's must end, it should end with this much intelligence, humor, imagination, and class. They completed the circle from the Beatles first performance in the 1964 to McCartney and Stephen harmonizing to a Beatles song 62 years later. Beautiful.

Ruby Rabbit3

I admit I shed a few tears.

Pknorris💙BlueInRedState3

It will be fabulous! He’s one of the most brilliant and talented ppl on television.

Tim Hill of Antifa, #FBPE2

There's a vacancy for James Bond...

Aida 🇵🇷🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦🐾🌊🦋🗽💙🐸2

Loved seeing you there Mark!

PoliticalOdor2

My claymation version of Stephen Colbert receiving an award for the #1 spot that he earned.

Matt Mulhern2

It was a bit much, no? The ego is not Colbert’s amigo. Enough with the “saving western civilization and fighting off the forces of darkness” mutual admiration society. Gag.

santa-guy.bsky.social2

Sweet sorrow, eh! Controlling the media leads to dictatorship!

La Contessa2

It was awesome to see you there! Thanks for fighting the good fight! ❤️❤️❤️

peg-cruz.bsky.social2

Hello- Goodbye 👏 What an ending! I hope the RATINGS make the Rat bag lose his mind🤣

hedlin2

I teared up a bit at the end.

Alice Wonders2

Colbert is a genius AND hilarious commentator/comedian too! Only two programs worth watching now on CBS-Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes, but they will likely show Bari Weiss censorship too and then lights out for CBS in my house!

ElleC💙🐸🤯🐕🐱🇺🇦 🌈🫘🇲🇽🇨🇦2

It was a fantastic finale! I watched it on YouTube. Fuck CBS.

LizaD2

Trump boastfully posted in of the demise of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and yet oddly failed to mention the shows’s many crew members who are now unemployed — proving without a doubt that when when it comes to American workers finances Trump really doesn’t think about them at all.

Ilka Sönksen2

Hope to see him somewhere in www. Maybe here ?

John Armistead2

Yeah, Mark, I am anxious to see what Colbert next!!!!

CHRIS MONTROSE2

It was epic Mark and I will miss him everyday

The original, the only, and perhaps the last Scooter Harris2

Same here! (My '25 tribute sketch)

Heineken Skywalker2

You know what, as long as Evie is okay with it, Colbert SHOULD do OnlyFans. It's a very Colbert move.

Li.Du🇩🇰🇬🇱🇪🇺🇨🇦🇺🇦🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈2

Remember Zelinsky? The former comedian? The guy who ran an anti corruption campaign? Yeah. That guy is really inspiring...

Fish Chowder2

Colbert’s career will probably outlast CBS.

Wedgie2

SO happy to see you part of it.

older crone2

I know it was heartwarming and heartbreaking at same time.

realraiderchap.bsky.social2

It was definitely a roller-coaster of emotions. I was crying as I was clapping and singing at the end. I miss it already

MaryNutcracker2

I was crying when he flipped the switch 😭

ValB.2

Gonna miss that great big Joy Machine and can’t wait to support whatever he does next.

Hoodlum 🇺🇸
@nothoodlum.bsky.social

Stephen Colbert ended his final episode of The Late Show while singing "Hello, Goodbye" with Paul McCartney on the Ed Sullivan stage that made The Beatles mega stars.

780757d ago
purelycurious.bsky.social136

Playing the same bass guitar he played on the Ed Sullivan show 62 years ago Wow!

Mike Davis • Feed After Midnight124

The final episode drew an estimated 6.74 million viewers, making it the most-watched weeknight episode in the show's history, according to preliminary Nielsen data. That's more than double the season's average of 2.69 million viewers per episode. mdavis19881.substack.com/p/a-few-thou...

Mitchy Mitch87

It was sad. I was feeling ways about stuff. Thats how I know its sad lol i think playing the peanuts theme was fkn spectacular though Colbert::: oh no, I hope that dosent cost CBS a bunch of money

Transitional Fossil67

what a life. getting to sing with Paul McCartney. well done, Stephen Colbert. 💙

Dawn Alene53

He wrapped it up in a beautiful bow

Dorian52

I thought about that. The Beatles big break in the USA and Colbert closes out a former great network. Corrupt Broadcasting Service now

gjabberbox.bsky.social50

Love this. I know I am not supposed to have a favorite Beatle, but Paul is my absolute favorite. And Jon Batiste and Stephen singing backup! It doesn’t get any better than that. 🙏🏻🫶🥰

Swanky Somm III33

Wait for trump to put out a disparaging message abt the song, Paul McCarney, all of it. No one has ever genuinely fetted him in such a beautiful way. Deep down, he knows it, too.

John Adams: anti-Trump veteran26

Since Paul McCartney actually pulled the lever, shutting off the power and lights in the theater he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, made a complete in your face metaphor to the Ellison's. I saw the Beatles on that show and live at the Hollywood Bowl in '65, I'm glad Paul was the last guest. Vote!!

Philo of Alexan21

That’s a pretty good send off. I can’t wait to see what Colbert does next.

Ernesto17

@stephencolbert.bsky.social has been a gift for 11 years- brilliant, stunningly knowledgeable, kind & hilarious . From his home, he with his family, helped us thru dark pandemic times. He won 11 Emmy Awards, 2 #Grammys & 3 #Peabody Awards. Thank you for all of it Stephen. We'll miss you ❤️

Kip Pi16

Last thing I will watch on CBS

Dangerous Dave15

Proud Brit/Canadian here! The Beatles were stars long before Dead Sullivan featured them on his God awful Sheew! Not their fault America was slow on the uptake!

alan51972.bsky.social15

It did my heart good to hear Paul McCartney singing a Beatles song on the same stage 62 years later. How much you want to bet that Colbert's band could have played ANY Beatles song that McCartney chose to sing? That music will still be around long after we all are gone.

paulapooh.bsky.social14

Everything they have always done has been top notch.... Colbert and his peeps love symbolism, connections, metaphors and other cool things that sane, intelligent, kind people enjoy and understand! ❤️🤍💙🇺🇲

Johnny James13

This tribute to Stephen Colbert by Sir Paul McCartney is so beautiful to watch all I can say is I hope Trump gets fucked in the ass by Hitler for all eternity when he gets sent to Hell.

‪𝒩𝑜𝓇𝓂𝒶 𝒫13

Love this! It was amazing! 🤩

David12

What a send off. cbwrong.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-...

[email protected]12

That was great but it was also sad

Kats Peterson12

I feel gifted to have witnessed both performances. Talk about full-circle. What a long, strange trip it's been.

oakidoaki.bsky.social11

He ain't done yet! I'm here for it!

Liberal Crone11

It was good to see Jon Batiste and Elvis Costello there, too. Stephen's appreciation for his musicians has always made me feel like he loves all of us...even those who never met him.

SavRTruthTiger 💙🌊🌊🌊💙10

We showed support for Stephen Colbert & sent a tiny but satisfying message to Ellison/Paramount/CBS So, thru Amazon Prime, we signed up for a Free Trial of Paramount+, watched his last two shows, LOVED THEM, & then CANCELED our Paramount+ subscription. You, too, can do the same. Feels right.

Dodie10

Every vibe in this is the exact opposite of maga & fuckface Trump.

SheLuvsPups 🐶🐾💕🐾10

It was Epic! Loved It❣️

Darcy DH9

It breaks my heart that he’s gone. I tape his shoes to watch them when I can’t watch live. His likeness, gentleness and sharp intellect humor needs to stay alive and accessible. His political take is so fun !

Susan Behrens9

There’s video of Stephen having fun dancing at the after party last night Stephen Colbert Parties With A-List Pals For 'Late Show' After-Party In NYC www.tmz.com/2026/05/22/s...

🎶’Help’ Me If You Can I’m Feeling Down 🎶9

Loved that he ended his show with McCartney. So hoping Colbert and some other comedians start their own station but it’s probably a pipe dream.

pamfromdc.bsky.social8

Great way to end the show.

mopa66.bsky.social8

Boy am I going to miss The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the band. But it was a joyful finale ❤️

Ileana D Vasquez8

A very sad day in America! #FreeSpeech #FreedomOfThePress #LongLiveTheLateShow #LongLiveStephenColbert

BDG.Fella8

Come on, Stephen, run for office already

ihatetrump69.bsky.social8

Fuck you, CBS, you cowards.

Sue 🇫🇮🇨🇦🇫🇷7

Emotion provoking! I remember my parents letting me stay up later than usual, to watch them on Ed Sullivan.

🇺🇦Schadenfreude's Cat🇺🇦7

I'm just a little disappointed we didn't get to see his identical cousin Stephen Colbert again. Otherwise perfect ending.

Pete (AKA Citizen Pete and Ken Duffy on X)7

Fitting tribute to an iconic host and comedian. I'm sure we have not heard the last of him.

LAST RIDE AS THE TRIBE OF THE EAGLE..🦅 Keep the flame alive...🗽7

Always entertaining... "Bizarro world"- Band on the run...😎🌠

Ain’t Complicit 🇺🇸7

Such a good feel ❤️❤️

Teva Rose7

A moving amazing celebration. A few times I got a little emotional. Colbert is the best and is surrounded by the best. I have great hopes for the future as we will begin again...This time we'll get it right! No Justice No Peace

X and Meta are for stooges; I boycott twitter and facebook6

I love stephen colbert, so I forgive him for that 😁

Velvet.Cherry6

What a legendary full circle moment for late night and music history.

Starteller5

Paul McCartney at 83, nearly 84, looks much better than Trump at nest 80. The best thing to do is never watch CBS again!

That Damn Cat5

And with that CBS as a network ceased to exist. No reason to watch. Make them go away.

Shortbreadfairy©️5

Oh look, people enjoying themselves. No guns, laughter and smiles. Paul McCartney not standing behind a protective panel because its not a maga crowd with guns. Normal. Normal people making the best of something special. Beautiful, inspite of the circumstances

Crocodile Spanky 🇦🇺🍍🍤🐨🦘🍺🫖🐊4

That last hello.o.ooooww was my favourite part of this song when I was a kid. Whenever it came on the radio, I would sing it loudly in the middle of the lounge room floor, and belt out that last hello .... love Paul's music, and who better to finish off Colbert's show 💓💓

candidesgarden.bsky.social4

I'd love to cancel my Paramount Plus subscription but I don't have one. Bari Weiss and CBS can go f**k themselves. They have jumped onto the wrong side of history.

Syl4

This makes me want to be like Gabriel blowing the horn and tearing down the walls of MAGA. 🤬🤬🤬. These pricks have destroyed enough. Time to fight back.

sanneru.bsky.social4

And Paramount and CBS did that⬇️

Слава Україні 🇺🇦🇵🇱🇦🇺4

It's all good, because there's no reason to EVER subscribe to/pay for anything related to #CBS and #Paramount. Greetings from down under 👋🏻

IrishTee☘️4

Some say Stephen Colbert has a good voice 😂😅🤣

@SuzanaD34

After I watched it, it went through my head all night

Jackie Knott3

That was some awesome stuff right there ... spectacular ending.

thedo0dah62.bsky.social3

Loved all these talents together for this song. Just so right.

John Crane3

Jebus, McCarthy looks really well for his age.

jeffbsky123.bsky.social3

Also awesome right before that: #ElvisCostello performed his song: "Jump Up" with Colbert, Louis Cato, Jon Batiste www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG0H...

steve3797.bsky.social3

That must have really pissed off the Child Rapist .. Seeing an "enemie" having fun is one of the worst things that can happen .. diaperdon posting stupid AI videos shows he's butthurt ...

KayElan7ISO64🇨🇦3

@nothoodlum.bsky.social Number are in. 💪

Tired, leaky brain.3

I wish I could choose music from posts, and continue listening while I scroll. Possible?

Ellsworth Green3

Thank you kind sir for posting this. I managed to see it live in the last 30 minutes and it was great! Just the beginning for Colbert! :)

8647-bring-joy-to-all3

I wanted to cry. What a class act. Unlike the orange raping grifter.

🔥🗽🔥SoCal Redhead🔥🗽🔥2

NPR should offer him a show. It'd piss off the king.

Cheryl McNeilly2

I can't watch this yet -- I'm heartbroken for him

newmotherinlaw.bsky.social2

Fantastic! Paul was on that stage in 1964 with his band. That's full circle.

Amused Muse fellarina 🦋 🖇️2

The world will never forget this. His history is not going to be kind to this regime, to these silent and complicit Republicans, and to those who are so gaslit and so dangerous.

CHRIS MONTROSE2

Any one see the Ai Video scrumpt posted throwing Stephen in the trash he just lost a lot more votes for his gop members.

Pat Riot2

That was bittersweet. I got choked up watching last night.

cbfox.bsky.social2

and colbert got everyone who wont perform at the white house or his parties

Stupid dumbshit goddamn motherfucker2

That loud pop was Bari’s bubble bursting.

she-ll.bsky.social2

The WHOLE Stephen Colbert LAST SHOW was INSTANTLY ICONiC !!🎉 Thank you so much for this Historically political defiance by the "Entertainterment / Comedy Class" Late Night COMEDY has been OUR salvation !!! And poo 💩diaper can keep his Epstein Class.💀 TRUMP & his MORON MAGA TRUMPERS are low I.Q.🖕

Nancy Ann ❌👑 👍🏻🐸2

I love that they turned it into a party. It’s clear why the moron-in-chief had to post AI slop about Colbert. Their joy killed him.

Max2

Great post where can we find this clip to share on other platforms?

joeknittingmama.bsky.social2

I remember watching the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 when the Beatles performed. . It was a big deal.

Radio Caroline’s Ghost2

That was a hell of a circle, having Paul singing that with the band. I loved it so much

Claire2

With respect, the Ed Sullivan stage didn't make The Beatles megastars—Beatlemania was already a massive phenomenon in the UK. However, that legendary February 1964 performance cemented their status globally.

Aunt Teefa rocks2

And with Elvis Costello backing him up there. Sweet!

Sharkey 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ Ally. 🇵🇷. 💙2

Perhaps the most joyous reaction to a tragic and enraging ending. Bittersweet tears right now.

Millie2

CBS helps to make Colbert a martyr for the good of democracy. He will continue just somewhere else. We will watch the demise of cbs.

Kent Parkstreet2

The stage did what now?

sibylkat.bsky.social2

Excited for Colbert’s next move.

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