Paul McCartney helps Stephen Colbert say goodbye to 'The Late Show' in final episode

Colbert's final episode officially ended the 'Late Show' franchise, which first launched with Letterman in 1993

Paul McCartney helped Stephen Colbert close out The Late Show on Thursday night during an ambitious and emotional finale that marked the end of Colbert’s 11-year run — and the conclusion of the entire Late Show franchise on CBS.

McCartney appeared during the final broadcast to perform and help send off the longtime late-night host in one of the show’s biggest farewell moments.

The finale featured celebrity cameos, comedy sketches and tribute segments, with appearances from stars including Bryan Cranston and Ryan Reynolds. The episode balanced emotional reflection with the satirical humor that defined Colbert’s tenure on the CBS program.

Throughout the broadcast, Colbert thanked viewers, staff members and longtime collaborators while reflecting on taking over the show from David Letterman in 2015.

“The energy that you’ve given us, we sincerely need that to have done the best possible show we could have for you for the last 11 years,” Colbert said. “You’ve given it to us. We’ve given it all right back to you.”

CBS announced in 2025 that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end due to financial pressures facing late-night television, though the cancellation also sparked broader discussions about politics and media following Colbert’s criticism of Donald Trump.

The final episode officially ended the Late Show franchise, which first launched with Letterman in 1993 and became one of television’s most influential late-night institutions.