Stephen Colbert goes on camera for his final CBS Late Show

Stephen Colbert In his final episode, Seizes one last chance to film on CBS late night show.

Thursday, May 21, late night show installmentsColbert, 62, did his usual “Meanwhile” segment, in which he poked fun at the headlines. Colbert specifically mentioned how the owners of the music were from charlie brown’s christmas and others peanut The TV special has filed four lawsuits “against those who illegally used the famous song ‘Linus and Lucy.'”

“Now that Peanuts is a powerful brand and company in its own right, anyone who uses this music illegally will have to pay dearly, Louis,” he told the bandleader, Louis Cato.

Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine then began playing the cartoon’s iconic song.

“Excuse me Louis, is it the band? Is the band playing the same ‘Peanuts’ music right now that I just said people were sued for using without permission? Is that what you do?” Colbert asked, then quipped: “Oh no, I hope it doesn’t cost CBS any money.”

CBS announced in July 2025 late night show will end, prompting an immediate backlash. Network executives later issued a statement in response to their decision, claiming that the decision “does not have anything to do with the show’s performance, content, or other matters occurring at Paramount,” but was instead driven by financial reasons.

Colbert broke his silence on the then-shocking cancellation.

“Before we start the show, I want you to know something I just found out last night. Next year will be our last season,” he announced in the July 2025 taping to boos from the audience. “I agree with you. This is not only the end of our show, but the end of Late Night on CBS. I will not be replaced. This will all go away.”

He continued: “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. … I thank you, the viewers, for joining us every night, here, there and around the world.”

Some remain skeptical Colbert went on the show to talk about CBS parent company Paramount and address what he called a “nuisance lawsuit.” president donald trump. The president claims in his lawsuit that “60 Minutes” unfairly edited Kamala Harris’ interview.

“I don’t question their reasons (it was financial reasons),” Colbert told The New York Times in April when asked about viewers who questioned why his late-night talk show was ending. “I do make jokes.”

The comedian said he could see both sides of the argument.

“But I also completely understand why people would say (A) this doesn’t make sense to me, (B) this seems fishy to me,” he noted. “The network did itself a disservice by capitulating $20 billion to the Trump administration and ultimately settling for $16 million in what was a completely frivolous lawsuit.”

During Thursday’s final episode, Colbert had a special message for fans.

“I talked to the audience beforehand, and tonight I thought I’d talk to the audience here (at the Ed Sullivan Theater) as well as the audience at home,” he said. “I want you to know that we have such a joy doing this show for you. In fact, we call this show the ‘Joy Machine’ because to do so many shows, it has to be a machine.”

Colbert thanks viewers It’s been tweaking over the years.

“I just want everyone here and there to know how important you are to what we do. The energy you give us, we truly need you to put on the best show you can over the last 11 years,” he continued. “You gave it to us and we gave it back to you.”

He continued: “We love doing this show for you, but we really, really love doing this show with you. Now, I’m going to tell you what I’ve said to every audience member for the last 11 years, and I’ve said it every time: Have a great show. Thank you for being here. Let’s get started, you guys.”