CBS reaches an agreement with the rights holder to license the “Peanuts” music track “Linus and Lucy” that Stephen Colbert played during his final episode of “The Late Show.” Multiple outlets report that Colbert’s on-air use of the song was not initially covered by the required permissions, prompting CBS to pay a licensing fee. During the finale in June, Colbert made comments on air that acknowledged the potential cost to CBS, while the song was performed as part of a closing gag.
The agreement resolves the dispute by compensating the music company that owns the track. Sources say the payment is directed to charitable purposes rather than retained by the rights holder. The Guardian and others describe Colbert’s remarks as a final jab at CBS. One outlet specifies that the proceeds are set to benefit World Central Kitchen. The reporting is consistent that the licensing settlement follows Colbert’s last-day use of the iconic “Peanuts” theme on CBS and ties the funds to charity.
