After years of making audiences laugh night after night, Stephen Colbert opened his final episode of The Late Show on an emotional yet uplifting note. During his heartfelt monologue, the longtime host thanked viewers for standing by him over the years, affectionately calling the show a “joy machine.” Even in the middle of an emotional speech, Colbert kept trading jokes with the show’s bandleader, Louis Cato.

Fittingly, instead of allowing the finale to turn somber, he opened the night by lifting the crowd’s spirits and welcoming them with the same warmth that he had shown during his run for the past eleven years.

Stephen Colbert described The Late Show as a joy machine, saying the team has created the show with happiness despite the hard work behind it. He also praised his staff, calling them extraordinary people and sharing how deeply they matter to one another. At the same time, he also thanked the audience for all the love and energy that kept them motivated.

“Now, on night one of The Colbert Report, back in the day, I said, ‘Anyone can read the news to you. I promised to feel the news at you,’ and I realized pretty soon in this job that our job over here was different. We were here to feel the news with you, and I don’t know about you, but I sure have felt it,” he said.

“Now, I’ll say to you what I’ve said to every audience for the last 11 years, and I have meant it every time. Have a good show. Thanks for being here, and let’s do it, y’all,” he further added. 

The emotional monologue was followed by the arrival of a star-studded lineup of guests. One of the guests was Paul McCartney. During their interview, the music legend also performed 'Hello Goodbye.' Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, who wore a Late Show cap, also joined the show.

He jokingly asked if he could be the final guest of the night. But much to his hilarious disappointment, several more celebrity appearances followed. Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, and Ryan Reynolds also stopped by, making it a full-circle celebration of Colbert’s late-night legacy. Even the episode before the finale was also special.

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Ahead of the finale, Colbert’s longtime friend Jon Stewart presented him with a heartfelt gift.

Stephen Colbert's long-time friend, Jon Stewart, also made a special appearance on The Late Show during the May 19, 2026, episode. During the segment, Stewart explained that he wanted to give Colbert a “tangible” farewell gift and hilariously presented him with two power recliners, which the pair immediately tested on stage. As Colbert enthusiastically explored every button and switch on the chair, Stewart kept the audience laughing with his comedic commentary.

“The thing about these chairs is as you get comfortable in them, you start to think to yourself, ‘Am I going to have to expend energy to get out of it?'” he said.

The surprises did not end there. Stewart also welcomed Andra Day to the stage for a powerful performance of her hit song Rise Up. This was one of the several tributes in honor of the host this week. With heartfelt words and an outpouring of love from friends and guests alike, The Late Show came to an emotional close.

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What do you think about Stephen Colbert's monologue? Let us know in the comments.