Stephen Colbert’s final week as host of The Late Show is shaping up to be a major television event, with CBS lining up a roster of guests that reads like a who’s-who of comedy, film, music, and late-night TV royalty.
After 11 seasons, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is coming to an end following CBS’s decision to cancel the program, which the network described as a “purely financial decision.” The move has also sparked broader industry debate, with some political figures and media observers questioning whether larger corporate considerations—especially around Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance—may have played a role.
Regardless of the behind-the-scenes context, the final stretch is clearly being treated as a celebration of Colbert’s run and legacy.
A Packed Final Week Lineup
CBS has revealed a heavily stacked farewell schedule for the week of May 18:
- Monday: “The Worst of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”
Despite the title, CBS has clarified this is not a traditional clip show. - Tuesday: A major crossover night featuring The Late Show With Stephen Colbert with guests Jon Stewart and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, plus a special performance by David Byrne alongside Colbert.
- Wednesday (Penultimate Episode):
Colbert himself steps into the spotlight for the fan-favorite segment “The Colbert Questionert,” paired with a performance from rock legend Bruce Springsteen. - Thursday (Series Finale, May 21):
Guest details are still under wraps, keeping anticipation high for the final broadcast.
Late-Night Royalty Joins the Farewell
The farewell week doesn’t stop with film and music icons. Colbert recently shared the stage with fellow late-night hosts in a rare joint appearance featuring:
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Seth Meyers
- John Oliver
- Jimmy Fallon
The group—informally known as “Strike Force Five”—originally came together during the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, later turning their collaboration into a podcast and ongoing friendship.
A Touch of Fictional Politics
Adding to the comedic sendoff, Julia Louis-Dreyfus made an appearance in character as Selina Meyer from Veep. With jokes reportedly written by former Veep writers, she delivered a sharp, satirical roasting of Colbert in true political-comedy style.
A Cultural Moment for Late Night
Colbert’s departure marks the end of a significant era in American late-night television. His version of The Late Show blended political satire, celebrity interviews, and musical performances into a format that became especially influential during turbulent political years.
CBS has confirmed that Colbert’s final episode will air on May 21, with other major networks reportedly planning reruns that night to avoid competing directly with the finale.
Whether you’re tuning in for nostalgia, comedy, or the sheer spectacle of the guest lineup, Colbert’s final week is being positioned as a full-scale celebration of modern late-night TV.