‘He made us laugh and he never flinched’: America says goodbye to the Late Show and Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert's Late Show aired its final episode, prompting tributes from celebrities and politicians. The show, which began in 1993, was canceled last year, reportedly due to financial reasons, though some speculated it was politically motivated. Colbert expressed gratitude for his audience and reflected on the importance of the show's perspective in American culture.
- ▪Stephen Colbert hosted over 1,800 episodes of the Late Show, taking over from David Letterman.
- ▪Celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and Jane Fonda paid tribute to Colbert during the finale.
- ▪Former President Joe Biden praised Colbert for his ability to make people think and laugh at the same time.
3 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 4 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 1 right.
- ▪ Stephen Colbert’s best ‘Late Show’ finale moments, celebrity cameos & more! — Page Six
- ▪ Stephen Colbert’s Last ‘Late Show’: Laughing Well Is the Best Revenge — NYT > Top Stories
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/may/22/stephen-colbert-last-late-show-reaction |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 13:59:08 GMT |
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People hold signs supporting Stephen Colbert outside the Ed Sullivan Theater. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenPeople hold signs supporting Stephen Colbert outside the Ed Sullivan Theater. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty ImagesStephen Colbert‘He made us laugh and he never flinched’: America says goodbye to the Late Show and Stephen ColbertJane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen and Joe Biden are among the names paying tribute to host of cancelled late-night show Share your favorite memories from The Late Show With Stephen ColbertBenjamin LeeFri 22 May 2026 09.59 EDTLast modified on Fri 22 May 2026 10.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCelebrities, politicians and New Yorkers have paid their respects to Stephen Colbert as the Late Show aired its…
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