Goodbye, 'Late Show': How to watch the final episode
by Annie Martin · UPIMay 21 (UPI) -- The Late Show, a late-night talk show staple since 1993, will officially end Thursday.
Originally hosted by David Letterman, the series premiered on CBS in 1993. Stephen Colbert succeeded Letterman in September 2015 and has hosted the show for the past 11 years.
Colbert confirmed in July 2025 that CBS had decided to end the late-night franchise, with the network blaming financial challenges.
The final episode of The Late Show will air Thursday on CBS and also stream on Paramount+. Here's how to watch and what to expect.
How to watch
The Late Show finale will air Thursday at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS and stream live for Paramount+ premium subscribers. The episode will stream on-demand the next day.
What to expect
Late Show host Stephen Colbert will close out the series with yet-to-be announced celebrity guests.
Wednesday's penultimate episode will feature a performance by Bruce Springsteen and a final "Colbert Questionert" answered by Colbert himself.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel and Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon will show their support for Colbert by airing reruns of their respective shows Thursday.