Thursday night marks the end of an era, and late-night television will never be quite the same.
Stephen Colbert's Late Show airs its final episode this Thursday, May 21, bringing an abrupt close to a run that defined political satire for a generation. The show was cancelled last July after Colbert criticized CBS's $16 million settlement with President Trump, calling it "a big, fat bribe." CBS, apparently, did not appreciate the editorial commentary.
On Wednesday night, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the finale with his signature mix of humor and genuine emotion. "Tune in to CBS, for the last time," he told his ABC audience. "Don't ever watch it again." He quickly clarified he was joking—mostly—but the sentiment was clear: this is a moment worth witnessing, even if it's on a rival network.
Colbert's exit is particularly painful because of what he represented. After years of playing a character on The Colbert Report, he took over The Late Show in 2015 and gradually found his voice—passionate, angry, exhausted, but always sharp. During the Trump administration, Colbert became essential viewing, translating political absurdity into something that felt both cathartic and necessary.
But that edge came with a price. When CBS settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $16 million, Colbert couldn't stay silent. His on-air criticism sealed his fate. Network executives don't love it when their talent criticizes their legal strategy, no matter how justified the criticism might be.
Kimmel emphasized that his relationship with Colbert transcended the typical late-night rivalry. he said, contrasting their friendship with the competitive dynamics of the Leno-Letterman era. That camaraderie was on full display this week, with the finale reportedly featuring appearances from and a charity auction that raised $2.5 million for .
