Stephen Colbert signed off “The Late Show” after nearly 11 years, with an all-star lineup including Paul McCartney, Ryan Reynolds, Elvis Costello, Paul Rudd and Jon Batiste showing up for the live taping at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater—ending a run that blen
NEW YORK — Stephen Colbert walked into the Ed Sullivan Theater for what would become “The Late Show” swan song, and the room didn’t feel like a routine farewell. It felt like a reunion built in real time.
After almost 11 years, Colbert signed off “The Late Show” for good last night, less than a year after CBS canceled the show. During the live taping, he was greeted by an all-star lineup that included Paul McCartney, Ryan Reynolds, Elvis Costello, Paul Rudd and former band leader Jon Batiste.
Colbert’s final broadcast wasn’t just a closing segment—it was a last swing at the mix of comedy and politics he made his trademark. Pacing his way through one final round of wit and political punchlines from the famed New York stage, he delivered an optimistic message about joy, gratitude and hope.
Colbert’s sendoff arrives as “The Late Show” enters a chapter defined by interruption and endurance: the show’s end came less than a year after its cancellation. The juxtaposition—an abrupt corporate decision against a steady. nearly decade-long cultural presence—hangs over the emotional weight of the finale.
Movies, fashion and the road are also taking up space in the day’s news flow. At the Cannes Film Festival. Demi Moore stepped into a spotlight of her own as the event winds down on the French Riviera. unveiling a new cropped hairdo as she served as a jury member for this year’s festival—one described as both a premier destination for global films to debut and an unofficial fashion show for A-listers.
With Memorial Day weekend here, the practical side of the moment is fuel. Rising oil prices are making it harder for many families to stay on budget. especially when long holiday weekends turn into road trips to the beach or staycations. The briefing points to fuel-saving tools that may already be “in your pocket” ahead of the travel rush.
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Stephen Colbert The Late Show CBS cancellation Ed Sullivan Theater Paul McCartney Ryan Reynolds Elvis Costello Paul Rudd Jon Batiste Cannes Film Festival Demi Moore Memorial Day 2026 gas prices oil prices Daily Briefing
Damn, cancelled already? feels like CBS does this stuff all the time.
I saw Ryan Reynolds showed up so I’m assuming it was gonna be all funny and no politics, which is basically the only way I can watch late night now. Also Paul McCartney being there just makes it feel random in a good way.
Wait so is the show ending because it got cancelled by CBS like last year or because Colbert is leaving the country or something? The article says less than a year after cancellation but also “final broadcast” so I’m confused. I just know I’ll miss the band leader part because that was the best vibe.
All these names at Ed Sullivan and I’m like… cool, but what about the gas prices? They had that whole Memorial Day oil stuff like it matters more than TV. Can’t be road tripping if it’s $5 to breathe on the highway. “Tools in your pocket” sounds like an app or idk maybe coupons?