CBS pays up after Stephen Colbert’s ‘Linus and Lucy’ finale stunt

CBS has reached a settlement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions following the unauthorised use of Vince Guaraldi’s iconic composition “Linus and Lucy” during the final episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

According to reports, the agreement resolves a copyright issue involving the show's May 21 finale, where Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine performed the famous track while host Stephen Colbert discussed the protection of Guaraldi’s music catalogue. During the segment, Colbert jokingly suggested CBS could end up paying for the song’s use.

As part of the licensing agreement, Lee Mendelson Film Productions will donate the settlement proceeds to World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by José Andrés that provides meals to communities affected by natural disasters, conflicts and humanitarian crises.

The settlement follows previous charitable efforts by The Late Show, which, along with Colbert, donated $2.5 million to World Central Kitchen during the programme’s final run.

Lee Mendelson Film Productions, which oversees the rights to Guaraldi’s music, has recently pursued several copyright enforcement actions involving alleged unauthorised commercial uses of the composer’s work. The company has said those efforts are intended to protect Guaraldi’s musical legacy while encouraging businesses and organisations to obtain proper licensing agreements.

Jason Mendelson, chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions, said the company found the performance amusing and entertaining, while also emphasising the importance of securing formal permissions when using copyrighted music.

The agreement officially closes the copyright dispute linked to The Late Show With Stephen Colbert finale, while directing the proceeds toward World Central Kitchen’s humanitarian work.