Stephen Colbert delivers his final broadcast as host of CBS’s “The Late Show,” which ends after 33 years and follows Colbert’s 11-year tenure since taking over from David Letterman in 2015. Multiple outlets describe Thursday night’s episode as an extended, special farewell designed to give viewers a warm closing rather than a confrontational political send-off. Several reports note that, despite Colbert having previously suggested that he could be freer to tackle politics after the show’s cancellation, his final episode largely avoids direct criticism or sustained political commentary.

Coverage also places the finale in context of CBS’s decision to end the program after a controversy and a later cancellation announcement in 2025, with outlets referencing broader uncertainty about the late-night talk-show format in a streaming era. Other accounts emphasize the show’s impact and evolution over time, while highlighting that Colbert uses light humor and acknowledgments—thanking staff and viewers and incorporating tongue-in-cheek nods to the show’s end. Business and entertainment outlets additionally focus on when the finale airs, how to watch it, and what viewers can expect from the closing moments.