Stephen Colbert hosts Late Show finale after controversial cancellation

Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of The Late Show, which was cancelled by broadcaster CBS. The show's cancellation followed Colbert's criticism of CBS for a settlement with Donald Trump over an edited interview. Colbert joked about the Pope being his dream guest but cancelling, before Paul McCartney performed. CBS stated the cancellation was financial, coinciding with its parent company's merger lobbying, and denied it was related to Colbert's comments. Colbert had hosted the show since 2015.

Stephen Colbert will host his final show on CBS after 11 seasons. The network announced last summer that the late-night program would conclude. Colbert will be behind his CBS desk for this last broadcast. Fans are reacting to the news of his departure.

Stephen Colbert is ending his run as host of "The Late Show" on CBS on Thursday night. The network announced last summer that the show would conclude after 11 seasons, citing economic reasons, though Colbert is the current ratings leader in late-night television. Speculation suggests that President Donald Trump's criticism of the show may have been a factor in the decision, particularly following a lawsuit settlement involving parent company Paramount. The show's finale plans remain undisclosed, but its final week featured guests like Jon Stewart and Bruce Springsteen. CBS will replace "The Late Show" with "Comics Unleashed."