Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' will broadcast its final episode on Thursday, marking the end of CBS's 33-year late-night franchise after 11 seasons. The conclusion comes amid controversy over the show's cancellation, with many suspecting political pressure played a role.
Final Week Highlights
The farewell week featured an impressive lineup of guests, including Michael Keaton, Jon Stewart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne, and Bruce Springsteen. David Letterman made a memorable appearance, delivering a defiant six-word parting shot to CBS during his final visit.
Reasons for Cancellation
CBS cited economic reasons for ending the show, despite Colbert consistently leading in late-night television ratings. However, both Colbert and observers have suggested that political pressure was a factor, particularly after Paramount's $16 million settlement of a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump and the company's pending approval of a sale.
The show's time slot will be filled by 'Comics Unleashed,' hosted by Byron Allen, which is expected to steer clear of political content. This shift reflects broader changes in late-night television as networks move away from politically charged programming.
Colbert's final monologue addressed the circumstances of the show's end, with the host bowing out amid claims of pressure from the Trump administration. The episode serves as a poignant conclusion to a significant chapter in American television history.
