Paul McCartney Closes Out Colbert's Final Late Show Episode

After 11 seasons as late night's top-rated host, Stephen Colbert said goodbye Thursday with a little help from his friend, Paul McCartney.

The Beatles icon wandered onto the Ed Sullivan Theater stage with perfect timing, joking he was "just in the area doing some errands." McCartney had last performed in that same theater 61 years ago when the Beatles made their legendary American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.

Colbert asked McCartney what he remembered from that historic night and how the young Beatles viewed America at the time. The singer recalled being in his early 20s and seeing the United States as "the land of the free, the greatest democracy," adding "that's what it was, and hopefully still is."

The conversation marked a full-circle moment for both men. Colbert, 62, had hosted since taking over from David Letterman in 2015, and his show remained number one among broadcast late-night programs, averaging 2.1 million viewers this season.

CBS announced the cancellation last July, citing financial pressures as late-night television faces declining viewership and advertising revenue across the industry. The decision sparked widespread debate given the show's strong ratings and cultural impact.

The finale featured playful moments befitting Colbert's comedy style. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson appeared to joke that the cancellation of a top-rated show had created "a rift in the comedy-variety-talk continuum." Fellow hosts Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and Jon Stewart popped in to offer parting advice.

Why This Inspires

The finale reminded us why late-night comedy matters beyond the laughs. Fans gathered outside the theater before the show, with viewer Sarah Thompson capturing the sentiment: "You need to laugh at the end of the day from all the trauma that we're facing."

The show ended where the Beatles' American journey began six decades ago, with McCartney singing "Hello, Goodbye" while Colbert provided background vocals. Two generations of entertainers, united on the same stage, proved that connection and laughter endure even as formats change.

Late-night television may be evolving, but Thursday's finale celebrated what it's always been about: bringing people together through humor, music, and shared moments of joy.