'Late Show' Series Finale Review: Stephen Colbert's Ending Was a Letdown

The final episode of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' with Paul McCartney as his last guest, was a letdown.

Variety

Stephen Colbert Fans Explain Why They Believe CBS Canceled ‘The Late Show’: ‘It Was Politically Motivated’

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/stephen-colbert-fans-late-show-cancellation-trump-politics-1236756451/

Stephen Colbert Ends ‘Late Show’ With Joyous Paul McCartney ‘Hello Goodbye’ Performance, as Ex-Beatle Turns Lights Out at Ed Sullivan Theater

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://variety.com/2026/music/news/paul-mccartney-stephen-colbert-ed-sullivan-theater-finale-1236756233/

TV Talk: @colbertlateshow ends with a wormhole, Paul McCartney singing "Hello, Goodbye" and an homage to the "St. Elsewhere" finale, via @triblive #TheLateShowWithStephenColbert https://triblive.com/aande/movies-tv/tv-talk-stephen-colbert-bids-a-sci-fi-infused-farewell-to-late-show/
TV Talk: Stephen Colbert bids a sci-fi-infused farewell to ‘Late Show’

Throughout Thursday’s final episode of CBS’s “The Last Show with Stephen Colbert,” a green light appeared behind and around Colbert’s desk accompanied by a static sound, foreshadowing a comedic, sci-fi twist to the show’s swan song, perfectly tuned to Colbert’s interest in science fiction and fantasy. Eventually Colbert goes backstage

TribLIVE.com
Stephen Colbert Ends ‘Late Show’ With “Normal,” Star-Studded Episode, Joking the Pope “Canceled”

The long-running CBS late night franchise came to an end with what the host called a "normal" broadcast, but the surreal, Easter egg-filled program was stuffed with bold-faced names, with one key exception.

The Hollywood Reporter

Stephen Colbert Ends ‘Late Show’ With Joyous Paul McCartney ‘Hello Goodbye’ Performance, as Ex-Beatle Turns Lights Out at Ed Sullivan Theater
#Variety #News #PaulMcCartney #StephenColbert #TheBeatles #TheLateShowwithStephenColbert

https://variety.com/2026/music/news/paul-mccartney-stephen-colbert-ed-sullivan-theater-finale-1236756233/

Paul McCartney Turns Lights Out in Ed Sullivan Theater for Colbert Finale

'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' ended with Paul McCartney turning out the lights off at the Ed Sullivan Theater, following a 'Hello Goodbye' singalong.

Variety
Stephen Colbert Fans on Why They Believe CBS Canceled ’The Late Show’

Fans gathered outside the Ed Sullivan Theater for Stephen Colbert’s final “Late Show” taping and weighed in on the controversial cancellation.

Variety

Stephen Colbert Kicks Off Final ‘Late Show’: “I Want You To Know This Show Has Been A Joy For Us To Do”
#LateNightTV #News #CBS #StephenColbert #TheLateShow #TheLateShowWithStephenColbert

https://deadline.com/2026/05/late-show-stephen-colbert-finale-recap-highlights-1236918371/

‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Finale: Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd & Tim Meadows Offer Their Help – Updating Live

Stephen Colbert is saying goodbye to The Late Show after CBS canceled the long-running late-night franchise.

Deadline
Quarantine Control #320: The Late-Yet-Invincible Boy
Ah, if only we could all be that, though not the "boy" part.
https://www.dcgameblog.com/2026/05/quarantine-control-320-the-late-yet-invincible-boy/
#Invincibleseries #QuarantineControl #TheBoys2019 #TheLateShowWithStephenColbert #VideoGames

Stephen Colbert’s Final ‘Late Show’ Guests Start To Emerge Including Paul McCartney As Studio Audience “Moved” By Farewell
#LateNightTV #News #CBS #PaulMcCartney #PaulRudd #StephenColbert #TheLateShow #TheLateShowWithStephenColbert

https://deadline.com/2026/05/stephen-colbert-final-late-show-guests-paul-mccartney-1236918499/

Stephen Colbert’s Final ‘Late Show’ Guests Start To Emerge Including Paul McCartney As Studio Audience “Moved” By Farewell

The studio audience was "moved" by the farewell for Colbert, who also had Ryan Reynolds and Paul Rudd among the guests for his final show.

Deadline