Stephen Colbert hosted his final episode of "The Late Show" on Thursday night, marking the end of his 11 seasons at CBS and closing the curtain on a franchise that shaped late-night television for more than three decades. The show, which began in 2015 when Colbert succeeded David Letterman, had become a cultural touchstone known for its biting political satire, heartfelt interviews, and memorable segments like "The Word" and "Colbert's Midnight Confessions."

In July, CBS announced it was canceling "The Late Show" due to financial reasons. The decision came weeks after Paramount settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump for $16 million — a deal Colbert later referenced on-air during an episode titled "A Big Bribe." The cancellation shocked many in the industry, as Colbert had consistently been one of the highest-rated late-night hosts.

Colbert's journey to late-night stardom began earlier, as a correspondent on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart, where he developed his signature persona — a mock-conservative pundit on "The Colbert Report." That show ran from 2005 to 2014, earning multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody. When he took over "The Late Show," Colbert dropped the character but retained his sharp wit and intelligence.

Here's what the biggest names in showbiz are saying about Colbert's final show.

Jimmy Fallon, host of 'The Tonight Show'

Late-night show host Jimmy Fallon paid tribute to Colbert on X on Thursday, sharing an illustration of Colbert and a dog aboard a boat named "Freedom" alongside a quote from "The Lord of the Rings." "There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it's worth fighting for," Fallon wrote in his post. The imagery was a nod to Colbert's well-known obsession with J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic. In March, Warner Brothers announced that Colbert, a longtime "Lord of the Rings" fan, was developing a new installment of the fantasy franchise with his son. The post resonated with fans who appreciated the personal touch.

Jimmy Kimmel, host of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel dedicated the opening monologue of his Wednesday episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to Colbert, and said his peer was being "pushed out" by CBS. "I hope the people who did the pushing feel ashamed of themselves tonight, although I know they probably won't. But that being said, I think it is most important to congratulate Stephen and the team at 'The Late Show' for all the great work over the last 11 years, and all the great work he will continue to do in other venues, I have no doubt," Kimmel said. Even though he and Colbert are technically competitors, because their shows aired at the same time on different networks, it never felt like a rivalry, Kimmel added. "I always love being on Stephen's show. I loved having him here on ours. I hope we're able to do that again. I hope he comes to visit as many times as possible," he said. Kimmel also announced he would be off the air during Colbert's final show and urged viewers to tune in to CBS one last time. "Don't ever watch it again, but watch tomorrow night to wish Stephen and our friends at 'The Late Show' a fond farewell," he joked.

Yvette Nicole Brown, actor

"Community" actor Yvette Nicole Brown paid tribute to Stephen Colbert in an Instagram video shared Thursday by the Committee for the First Amendment, a collective of entertainers and media figures advocating for free expression and opposing government intimidation and censorship. "On 'The Late Show,' Stephen Colbert has used humor to bring us joy and hold power accountable," Brown said in the video. In another part of the clip, she called out the network for silencing Colbert. "These are not the actions of the powerful. These are the actions of the threatened," she added. "And these are violations of our First Amendment." The committee was originally formed in 1947 to push back against McCarthy-era blacklists and was revived in 2025, reflecting growing concerns about media censorship during the current political climate.

Jane Fonda, actor

Jane Fonda was among the celebrities featured in the Committee for the First Amendment's tribute video for Colbert. In the video, she commended Colbert for remaining steadfast throughout his time on late-night television. "He made us laugh, and he never flinched," Fonda said. Fonda, a two-time Academy Award winner and lifelong activist, has often used her platform to speak out on political issues, and she praised Colbert for doing the same. The tribute underscored how Colbert's show became a safe space for liberal voices during an era of intense political division.

Mark Ruffalo, actor

Mark Ruffalo also appeared in the Committee for the First Amendment's tribute video for Colbert. "I'm gonna miss him, and I'm disturbed by what it means that he'll be gone," Ruffalo said. In another moment from the video, he also praised Colbert for using late-night television to push back against authority. "Stephen, you modeled the punchline as an act of resistance," Ruffalo said. "You stood up courageously, even when it cost you personally." The actor, known for his roles in "The Avengers" and "Spotlight," has been an outspoken social activist, and his comments highlighted the broader cultural impact of Colbert's departure.

Mark Hamill, actor

Mark Hamill's Instagram tribute to Colbert included photos from his appearances on "The Late Show," including a playful shot of the actor seated behind Colbert's desk. "Can't thank Stephen Colbert enough for the decades of laughs he's given us. He's been positively therapeutic in these troubled times & I can't wait to see what he does next! (plus, he let me sit behind his desk)," Hamill wrote in his caption. Hamill's lighthearted post captured the warmth that Colbert extended to his guests, making them feel at home regardless of their fame.

Conan O'Brien, comedian and television host

Conan O'Brien shared a message on Instagram on Thursday honoring Colbert's late-night run. "Here's to Stephen Colbert, a man of great integrity and wit. Onward, friend, to bigger and better things," O'Brien wrote in his caption. O'Brien, who himself experienced the highs and lows of late-night television, having hosted shows on NBC, TBS, and his own travel series, understood the unique pressures of the job. His message resonated with fans who remember the camaraderie among the late-night hosts.

Colbert's final episode also featured a touching moment with his mother, who appeared via video, and a surprise performance by Paul McCartney, who sang "Get Back" — a full-circle moment for a host who had often cited the Beatles as inspiration. Colbert's son also appeared in a pre-taped segment discussing their "Lord of the Rings" project. The show closed with Colbert's trademark sign-off: "Goodnight, and be good to one another."

The cancellation of "The Late Show" has left a hole in the late-night landscape. CBS has not announced a replacement, though rumors suggest a possible talk show format with a younger host or a non-traditional comedy program. Colbert's legacy, however, is secure. He transformed the late-night talk show into a platform for political commentary and social justice, paving the way for hosts like Trevor Noah and Samantha Bee. His interviews with guests from Barack Obama to Lady Gaga were often praised for their depth and empathy.

Colbert's career began in improvisational comedy with Second City in Chicago, where he met his wife, Evie McGee Colbert. They have three children. Before his own show, he was a writer and performer on "The Dana Carvey Show" and later a correspondent on "The Daily Show." His satire of the O'Reilly Factor on "The Colbert Report" earned him a dedicated following. When he took over "The Late Show," he initially struggled to find his footing, but within months he had become a ratings leader, often beating Jimmy Fallon in total viewers.

During his tenure, Colbert interviewed everyone from astronauts and scientists to musicians and politicians. His series of segments after the 2016 election were particularly memorable, as he used his platform to challenge the Trump administration. He also hosted a late-night post-COVID return show with a live audience, which was praised for its energy. In 2020, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Talk Series.

As the television landscape continues to change, with streaming services and social media competing for attention, Colbert's departure marks the end of an era. But as the tributes from Hollywood's biggest names show, his influence will be felt for years to come. Whether he returns to television in a new format or focuses on his "Lord of the Rings" project, Stephen Colbert has left an indelible mark on comedy and culture.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News