Stephen Colbert Confronts Emotional Reality as The Late Show's Final Chapter Approaches
With merely four months remaining before The Late Show with Stephen Colbert concludes its decade-long run, the veteran host has acknowledged that the impending finale is beginning to "feel real." During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, January 27, the 61-year-old television personality reflected candidly on the emotional weight of closing this significant chapter of his career.
The Countdown to the Final Curtain Call
As Colbert looks ahead to the last episode scheduled for Thursday, May 21, he revealed that the reality of the show's conclusion is finally sinking in. "It did not feel... I mean, I knew it was real, but now, there are only four months left," Colbert shared during the interview. This poignant admission underscores the personal connection he has developed with the program over its ten seasons.
What Colbert Will Miss Most About The Late Show
While discussing his sentiments, Colbert emphasized that the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City holds a special place in his heart. "Listen, you can do comedy in a lot of different places, [but] there's no place like the Ed Sullivan Theater," he remarked. However, he quickly clarified that it is the people involved with the show that he cherishes the most.
"But it's really the people. That's really what I care about. That's really what I'm going to miss more than anything," Colbert added, highlighting the deep bonds formed with his team and colleagues throughout the years.
The Announcement and Network's Stance on Cancellation
Colbert first announced the end of The Late Show during a taping in July of the previous year, surprising the audience by sharing the news during his opening monologue. "Before we start the show, I want you to know something that I found out just last night," Colbert told the crowd. "Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May."
In a subsequent statement to PEOPLE, CBS explained that the decision to cancel the show was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night" and emphasized that it was "not related in any way to the show's performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount." This clarification likely references the pending acquisition of CBS parent Paramount Global by Skydance, indicating broader corporate shifts influencing the network's programming choices.
A Look Back at The Late Show's Legacy
The Late Show franchise has a rich history that began in 1993 with David Letterman as the original host. Colbert took over the desk in 2015 following Letterman's retirement, steering the show through ten memorable seasons. His tenure has been marked by:
- Critical acclaim and numerous awards
- A loyal viewership that tuned in nightly
- Notable interviews with celebrities, politicians, and cultural figures
- A unique blend of comedy and commentary that defined late-night television for a decade
As the final episodes approach, fans and industry observers alike are preparing to bid farewell to an era in television history, with Colbert's heartfelt reflections serving as a touching reminder of the human element behind the entertainment.
