Stephen Colbert’s Final ‘Late Show’ Guests Include Paul McCartney
Deadline • • general
Key Points:
- Stephen Colbert taped his final episode of The Late Show with a star-studded lineup including Paul McCartney, who marked his return to the Ed Sullivan Theater, a historic site for The Beatles' 1964 performance.
- The finale featured numerous A-list guests such as Paul Rudd, Bryan Cranston, Ryan Reynolds, and former bandleader Jon Batiste, with the episode running 17 minutes longer than usual.
- Security was notably tight and secretive outside the studio, frustrating fans but maintaining an intimate atmosphere focused on quality performances rather than spectacle.
- Emotional moments included a heartfelt exchange between Colbert and music director Louis Cato, who spoke on behalf of the crew about Colbert’s leadership.
- Colbert’s final week featured performances and appearances by major stars like Bruce Springsteen, Steven Spielberg, Jon Stewart, and David Letterman, with the finale airing on CBS at 11:35pm.