Stephen Colbert he grabbed the opportunity to film for CBS one last time during his final episode The Late Show.
On the Thursday, May 21, installment of the late-night show, Colbert, 62, did his usual “Then” segment where he pokes fun at the headlines. Colbert revealed exactly how the owner of the music comes from A Charlie Brown Christmas and so on Nuts TV specials filed four charges against “those who illegally used the popular song ‘Linus and Lucy.'”
“Now the Peanuts is a powerful brand and a movement itself, anyone who uses that music illegally will have to pay through the nose, Louis,” he said to his band leader, Louis Cato.
The band Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine then started playing a cartoonish song.
“Excuse me, Louis, the band, is the band currently playing the same Peanuts music that I said people were being sued for, using without permission? Is that what you’re doing?” Colbert asked before laughing, “Oh no, I hope this doesn’t cost CBS money.”
CBS announced in July 2025 that The Late Show will end, which caused a quick backlash. Network executives later issued a statement addressing their decision, saying it was “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters occurring at Paramount” but rather for financial reasons.
Stephen Colbert
Scott Kowalchyk/CBSColbert broke his silence about the shocking withdrawal at the time.
“Before we start the show I want to let you know something I found out last night. Next year will be our last season,” he said during the July 2025 taping as the audience roared. “I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show, it’s the end of the latest CBS show. I’m not being replaced. This will all pass.”
He continued: “I want to say that the people at CBS have been great partners. … And I thank the audience, you, who have joined us every night, here, out there and around the world.”
Paul McCartney and Stephen Colbert.
(Photo by Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)Some were skeptical of the move, as it came after an episode in which Colbert talked about Paramount, the parent company of CBS, settling what he called a “nuisance lawsuit” brought President Donald Trump. In his lawsuit, the president alleged that 60 Minutes had improperly scheduled an interview with Kamala Harris.
“I am not against their idea [that it was for financial reasons],” Colbert told The New York Times in April when asked by viewers about the end of his late-night talk show. “I make jokes about it.”
The comedian said he sees both sides of the argument.
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“But I also totally understand why people would say (A) that doesn’t make sense to me and (B) that seems fishy to me,” he commented. “Because the network has done itself by kneeling the knee to the Trump administration for more than $20 billion, paid for $16 million, a completely absurd case.”
During Thursday’s finale episode, Colbert released a special message for fans.
“I spoke to the audience earlier, and tonight I thought I would speak to the audience here [the Ed Sullivan Theater] and listeners back home,” he said, “This program, I want you to know, was a pleasure for us to do for you. In fact, we call this program the Joy Machine because to do these many shows, it has to be a machine.”
Colbert thanked the audience for listening over the years.
“I want to let everyone here and abroad know how important you are to what we have done.” The energy you gave us, we really need that to make the best show we can have in the last 11 years,” he continued. “You gave it to us, we have given it all back.”
He continued: “We love doing this show for you, but we really, really love doing this show with you. Now, I’m going to say to you what I’ve said to every listener for the past 11 years, and I’ve always meant it: Have a great show. Thank you for being here. And let’s do it, everybody.”
