Stephen Colbert's Late Show Ends After 33 Years on CBS

Stephen Colbert's Late Show on CBS has ended after 33 years. His final shows featured big guests like Steven Spielberg and Bruce Springsteen.
By Newsroom | Television, Entertainment |

NEW YORK – Stephen Colbert's tenure as host of the "Late Show" concluded on Thursday, May 21st, with his final broadcasts featuring a slate of prominent guests. While the exact lineup for the penultimate show on May 21st remained under wraps, prior broadcasts had already showcased notable figures like Steven Spielberg and Bruce Springsteen, signaling a deliberate effort to surround the host's exit with established cultural figures. The departure has also drawn commentary from Donald Trump, who, in a statement released three days ago, referred to Colbert as a "perfect moron" and expressed satisfaction with his exit from television.

Colbert's final episode on CBS, an institution that had run for 33 years, concluded a significant chapter in American television. The significance of his departure was underscored by Trump's public remarks, which many observers, and seemingly Colbert himself, interpreted as part of a broader animosity towards media perceived as hostile.

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Stephen Colbert's starless, laughless, final humiliation: How failed late show host was abandoned by the only man who gave his career any purpose, writes MAUREEN CALLAHAN - 1

A Spectrum of Reactions to the Exit

The end of Colbert's "Late Show" has elicited a range of responses, from official acknowledgements to pointed political jabs. The final broadcast was the culmination of his work on the program, a show that has been a significant part of the American television landscape. The host, aged 62, has been a vocal critic of certain political figures, a stance that has clearly not gone unnoticed.

The timing of his final shows coincides with a broader media landscape shift, with large-scale corporate mergers, such as the Discovery acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery for over $110 billion, creating an "audiovisual industry behemoth."

Looking Back: A Catalog of Stephen King's Works

In a related, albeit chronologically disparate, piece from September 15, 2025, a French publication, Club Stephen King, offered a detailed chronological list of Stephen King's literary output. The article, which included an unpublished introduction from King himself, meticulously cataloged French editions of his novels and short story collections, spanning from "Carrie" in 1979 to "Holly" in French translation in February 2024, and collections like "You Like It Darker" in its original English in May 2024. The extensive bibliography highlights King's prolific output and the ongoing translation and publication of his works, providing a backdrop of sustained literary presence in contrast to the transient nature of television broadcasting. This list details numerous titles published under both his own name and his pseudonym, Richard Bachman, alongside various re-editions and compilations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Stephen Colbert's Late Show on CBS end?
Stephen Colbert's final broadcasts as host of the Late Show on CBS were on Thursday, May 21st. This marked the end of his 33-year run with the show.
Q: Who were the guests on Stephen Colbert's final shows?
While the exact lineup for the very last show was not fully detailed, previous broadcasts leading up to his exit featured notable guests such as director Steven Spielberg and musician Bruce Springsteen.
Q: What did Donald Trump say about Stephen Colbert's exit?
Donald Trump released a statement three days before Colbert's final broadcasts, calling him a "perfect moron" and saying he was happy Colbert was leaving television.
Q: Why is Stephen Colbert's departure from the Late Show significant?
Colbert's departure ends a 33-year chapter for the Late Show on CBS. His show was a major part of American television, and his exit comes during a time of big changes in the media industry, like the Discovery and Warner Bros. Discovery merger.