Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ Finale Shatters Viewership Records

The series finale of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” set a new milestone for the show, drawing its largest weeknight audience ever. According to CBS, the Thursday, May 21, episode attracted 6.74 million viewers, making it the most-watched weeknight episode in the series’ history. The number surpasses the show’s first season average of 2.69 million viewers, based on live+7 ratings data, and even edges out the series premiere back in September 2015, which had 6.55 million viewers.

While not matching the show’s post-Super Bowl episode in 2016, which drew 20.55 million viewers, the finale still marked a significant achievement for Colbert and his team. For context, the final episode of “Late Show With David Letterman” in 2015 attracted 13.76 million viewers, showing the difference in television viewership over time. CBS has said the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” was a financial decision, though the timing and abruptness of the ending raised questions among fans and media observers.

The finale offered a star-studded send-off, with legendary musician Paul McCartney helping close the show. McCartney performed alongside Colbert, Elvis Costello, former band leader Jon Batiste, and current band leader Louis Cato.

Together, they performed the Beatles’ classic “Hello Goodbye,” with staff members joining in, singing and dancing across the stage. Colbert described the moment as a way to honor both the Ed Sullivan Theater’s history and the team that had worked on the show for decades.

“It felt like the right way to say goodbye,” Colbert told reporters after the finale. “Having Paul here, and all these amazing guests, made it a proper send-off for everyone who has been a part of this show.”

The episode also featured appearances from other celebrities including Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, Ryan Reynolds, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart, and Andy Cohen. These cameos added to the sense of celebration, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of the show over its 33-year run under CBS.

Fans were treated to additional surprises, including an interdimensional wormhole effect at the Ed Sullivan Theater and a performance of Costello’s 1977 hit “Jump Up.” The combination of music, comedy, and spectacle highlighted the show’s unique blend of entertainment that had become Colbert’s signature style over the years.

Critics and audience members alike noted that the finale successfully balanced nostalgia and celebration, paying tribute to the show’s legacy while providing moments of humor and reflection. CBS programming sources stated that the finale not only honored Colbert’s tenure but also served as a reminder of the evolving nature of late-night television in the streaming era.

For Colbert, the finale was both a personal and professional milestone. The host reflected on the show’s journey from its early days to its final moments, noting the dedication of the production team, musicians, writers, and crew who helped bring the show to life. “It’s been an incredible ride,” he said, “and I’m grateful to everyone who made it possible, from the staff to the viewers who tuned in each night.”

With its record-breaking weeknight audience, star-studded finale, and memorable musical moments, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” closed its chapter in style. The show’s legacy as a landmark of late-night television is now cemented, leaving fans with one last evening of laughter, music, and unforgettable performances.

CBS provided the viewership and production information for the finale, emphasizing that the episode’s numbers reflected the dedication of both the audience and the team behind the scenes.

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