Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' Concludes with Record Viewership
The final episode of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' attracted 6.74 million viewers, marking the highest-rated weeknight broadcast in the show's history.
The final episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" aired on May 21, 2026, drawing 6.74 million viewers, the highest for a weeknight broadcast in the show's history. This surpassed the show's premiere viewership of 6.55 million in 2015 and significantly exceeded its first-quarter 2026 average of 2.69 million viewers.
The finale featured a surprise appearance by Paul McCartney, who performed "Hello, Goodbye" alongside Colbert, Elvis Costello, former band leader Jon Batiste, and current band leader Louis Cato. The performance concluded with staff members joining on stage for a celebratory send-off.
CBS announced the show's cancellation in July 2025, citing financial reasons amid a challenging late-night television landscape. The network emphasized that the decision was not related to the show's performance or content. Colbert addressed the audience during the announcement, expressing gratitude to the network and the show's staff.
Throughout its 11-year run, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was known for its intelligent humor and political commentary, maintaining strong ratings and a dedicated viewership. The show's conclusion marks the end of a significant chapter in late-night television.