'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' Scores Finale Ratings High
Deadline • • general
Key Points:
- Stephen Colbert's final episode of The Late Show drew 6.74 million live and same-day viewers, marking the highest-rated weeknight episode in the series' history according to CBS.
- The viewership surpassed Colbert's debut episode from 2015, which had 6.55 million viewers, and significantly exceeded the Q1 2026 average of 2.69 million viewers.
- While some special episodes, like the 2016 post-Super Bowl show with 20.55 million viewers, had higher numbers, the finale's strong ratings highlight the significance of the show's end.
- The Late Show was canceled three weeks before David Ellison took control of Paramount, with CBS citing financial reasons unrelated to content or performance, though speculation persists due to Colbert's criticism of Paramount's political ties.
- The finale featured Paul McCartney as the sole couch guest and included appearances from notable late-night hosts and celebrities, underscoring the show's impact and Colbert's influence in late-night television.