Stephen Colbert’s tenure as host of “The Late Show” concludes Thursday night after a final year dominated by relentless criticism of President Donald Trump, progressive political messaging, and a parade of celebrities paying homage to the outspoken comedian. The CBS late-night program, which Colbert helmed since David Letterman’s departure in 2015, transformed into a platform for anti-Trump commentary throughout its run, with the host dedicating countless monologues to attacking the president while championing Democratic causes and politicians.
The network announced the show’s cancellation in July 2025, triggering a ten-month farewell tour. Colbert responded to the news by declaring the gloves were off for his remaining episodes. When Trump publicly mocked the cancellation, Colbert casually told the president to “go f— yourself” during a broadcast. The host made no effort to moderate his political stance during the final months, continuing his pattern of harsh criticism directed at the Trump administration and its policies.
Democratic politicians dominate guest lineup during final months
The show’s closing episodes featured a revolving door of Democratic Party leadership and progressive voices. Former President Barack Obama appeared earlier this month, joking that Colbert would make a better president than Trump. The guest list read like a Democratic Party directory, including Senators Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Jon Ossoff, and Mark Kelly. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Representative Adam Schiff, and multiple governors made appearances, including California’s Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger, and New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Biden administration press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre joined Representatives Jim Clyburn and Ruben Gallego, along with former Secretary John Kerry, in what critics described as a farewell tour focused more on political networking than entertainment. The progressive media establishment also sent representatives, with hosts from cable news networks making frequent visits. Liberal late-night colleagues Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers stopped by to show support. Hollywood actors Mark Ruffalo and Jane Fonda appeared to praise the host’s political activism.
Bette Midler performance attacks Trump with musical parody
Singer Bette Midler delivered one of the more memorable moments during the final stretch, serenading Colbert with a parody version of her classic song “Wind Beneath My Wings.” The performance specifically targeted Trump, with Midler encouraging the audience to sing along to lyrics criticizing the president. The moment exemplified the show’s approach during its closing months, blending entertainment with overt political messaging directed at the administration.
Industry observers noted the increasingly self-congratulatory tone of the program’s final episodes. One entertainment publication remarked that the show had become “an increasingly puffy tribute to the show’s own host,” with endless compliments creating a cloying atmosphere. Critics questioned whether the extended celebration of Colbert’s career remained relevant given the broader challenges facing media institutions and the viewing public.
Controversy erupts over blocked interview with Senate candidate
Colbert generated significant controversy in February when he claimed CBS blocked a televised interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico due to equal time constraints. The network instead posted the interview exclusively to the show’s YouTube channel. Political observers suggested Colbert deliberately created publicity to boost Talarico’s primary campaign against Representative Jasmine Crockett, viewing him as more electable in a general election contest.
CBS denied Colbert’s allegations about the interview being blocked. Subsequent reporting revealed that Talarico knew well in advance the conversation would only appear online. FCC Chair Brendan Carr told reporters the incident appeared to be a coordinated effort by a Democratic candidate who understood media dynamics and exploited common assumptions to generate attention and fundraising opportunities. The controversy highlighted tensions between Colbert and network management that would intensify following the show’s cancellation announcement.
Host repeatedly criticizes CBS management over show cancellation
The relationship between Colbert and CBS deteriorated significantly after the network settled an election interference lawsuit with Trump for at least $16 million, with the total potentially exceeding $30 million. The settlement came as Paramount, CBS’s then-parent company, sought regulatory approval for Skydance Media’s acquisition. Colbert condemned the payment as a “big fat bribe” designed to win favor with the Trump administration ahead of the merger approval process.
When CBS announced “The Late Show” cancellation days after the settlement, followed quickly by FCC approval of the Skydance acquisition, speculation intensified that the decision aimed to appease Trump and smooth regulatory hurdles. Network executives insisted the cancellation represented “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” but many industry observers remained skeptical of that explanation.
Colbert used his remaining episodes to attack CBS leadership, telling a reporter that his cancellation “reinforced a narrative” of the network bending to Trump’s pressure. He noted that CBS lawyers saw no legal reason to settle the lawsuit, yet management changed course without explanation. Shortly afterward, the broadcast license approval came through. Colbert’s public criticism of his own network became a recurring theme during the farewell season.
David Letterman makes appearance for symbolic farewell
Former “Late Show” host David Letterman returned for a symbolic goodbye, participating in a segment where the two comedians smashed a CBS logo by throwing furniture off the building. As Letterman departed, he thanked Colbert for everything he had done for the country. When asked if he had final words for viewers, Letterman instead directed his message to CBS management, paraphrasing legendary broadcaster Ed Murrow with an obscenity-laden sign-off that captured the show’s defiant tone during its closing weeks.
The final year of “The Late Show” reflected the polarized state of American media and entertainment, with Colbert doubling down on political commentary rather than seeking broader appeal. Industry analysts noted the approach attracted loyal progressive viewers while alienating others, contributing to the challenging economics facing late-night television. One observer concluded that while Colbert deserved better treatment from CBS, the endless tributes and political focus failed to demonstrate the show’s broader relevance or produce compelling television for audiences seeking substantive political analysis rather than partisan cheerleading.
