Stephen Colbert’s 'Late Show' finale nears, fans remember how other late-night legends said goodbye

Stephen Colbert is preparing to sign off from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, with the show’s final episode airing May 21 after 11 seasons on CBS.

Ahead of the finale, people have looked back at how some of late night television’s most iconic hosts handled their final farewells, drawing comparisons between Colbert’s goodbye and the emotional exits of legends like Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Conan O'Brien.

Carson’s 1992 farewell from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson remains one of the most memorable exits in television history. The host ended his final broadcast with a heartfelt message thanking viewers for allowing him into their homes for three decades.

Letterman’s 2015 departure from Late Show with David Letterman also became a defining television moment, featuring appearances from longtime friends and celebrities before the host closed his run by thanking audiences for “allowing us into your lives.”

Meanwhile, O’Brien’s 2009 exit from The Tonight Show took a more defiant tone after his controversial departure from NBC. During his final monologue, O’Brien urged viewers not to become cynical and emphasised the importance of integrity in entertainment.

Colbert’s own farewell week has already included emotional tributes and surprise appearances. Jon Stewart recently surprised him with reclining chairs and a performance by Andra Day, while fellow late-night hosts and longtime collaborators have continued appearing throughout the week.

CBS announced in 2025 that it would retire The Late Show franchise entirely after Colbert’s departure, ending a late-night institution that began with Letterman in 1993.