Stephen Colbert left viewers with mixed reactions during his farewell episode on Thursday, as The Late Show aired its final star-studded broadcast after a 33-year legacy.
The 62-year-old host welcomed a slew of celebrity cameos in the audience, each jokingly wondering whether they might be his last guest — before Beatles icon Paul McCartney ultimately closed the show.
Fans, however, were unsettled when Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively’s husband, made a surprise appearance. Colbert quipped: “Ryan, it’s great to see you, but I hate to tell you, you’re not my last guest.” Reynolds replied: “Ouchie. Well, in that case, I’m just happy to be here.” The playful interaction continued as Reynolds hugged Colbert’s keyboardist, Corey Bernhard, and presented a gift of bananas — prompting Bernhard to jokingly shake him off.
Some viewers expressed irritation online: “Why have Ryan Reynolds on his last show?” and “Ryan Reynolds??? WHAT???” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Colbert, writing: “Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life.”
The farewell marked nearly 11 years of Colbert hosting The Late Show, after taking over from David Letterman in 2015. McCartney’s appearance was historic, echoing the Beatles’ first U.S. TV appearance at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in 1964 alongside John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. Colbert humorously teased the audience about Pope Leo being his final guest before McCartney’s entrance.
Throughout the episode, Colbert’s monologue was playfully interrupted by fellow stars, including Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, and comedian Tig Notaro. Pre-taped segments featured late-night peers Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, with Neil deGrasse Tyson warning of a “wormhole threatening late-night TV” — a metaphor for the show’s end.
Colbert also celebrated moments of camaraderie and humor, from playful on-stage antics to sing-alongs with McCartney, Jon Batiste, Louis Cato, and Elvis Costello. Despite mixed reactions, fans lined up to bid farewell, holding signs reading: “Thank you Stephen!”
Colbert reflected on the cancellation and future plans, saying CBS allowed him to step down with energy to focus on family and creative projects, including writing The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past with his son Peter and Philippa Boyens.
The final episodes will air alongside reruns of rival late-night shows out of respect, and Colbert remains undeterred, embracing the next chapter of his career with humor, grace, and a deep appreciation for the audience he’s entertained for more than a decade.
