Paul McCartney Helps Stephen Colbert Say Goodbye to ‘The Late Show’ in Ambitious Final Show

A star-studded, emotionally charged farewell blends joy, satire and legacy in Colbert’s final bow

Stephen Colbert’s final episode of The Late Show on May 21, 2026, delivered a joyous yet pointed farewell. Joined by Paul McCartney, David Letterman, Bryan Cranston and more, Colbert closed out an 11‑year run with over 1,800 episodes—and a message that both celebrated his legacy and took aim at the forces that ended it.

A Grand Finale in the Ed Sullivan Theater

On May 21, 2026, Stephen Colbert stepped onto the Ed Sullivan Theater stage for the last time, greeted by a roaring capacity audience that clearly didn’t want him to go . In his opening monologue, he fondly referred to the show as “The Joy Machine,” emphasizing the joy and camaraderie that fueled more than 1,800 episodes over 11 years . The finale stretched well beyond its usual hour, packed with celebrity cameos, musical moments and surreal humor—all delivered with Colbert’s trademark warmth and wit .

McCartney’s Moment: From Fake Pope to “Hello, Goodbye”

Colbert kicked off the show with a surreal bit: he teased a final guest appearance by the fictional Pope Leo XIV, who declined to emerge from the dressing room due to a lack of proper snacks—especially hot dogs . Into that void stepped Sir Paul McCartney, who was “in the area” and offered himself as a replacement . Their conversation touched on The Beatles’ legendary 1964 appearance at the same theater and McCartney’s new album, blending history with present-day reflection . The show culminated in a jubilant, all‑star rendition of “Hello, Goodbye,” featuring McCartney alongside Colbert, Louis Cato, Elvis Costello and Jon Batiste, with the entire cast and crew joining the stage as the lights faded .