Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' Finale Marks End of 33-Year Late-Night Era at CBS
By
Ben Travers
Master baker tier. Every paragraph earns its place on the tray.
Summary
Stephen Colbert's final episode of "The Late Show" on CBS concluded 33 years of late-night television at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Despite strong ratings, a beloved host, and multi-platform appeal, CBS canceled the show. Colbert hosted for 11 years, and the finale was structured like a normal episode but with added emotional weight, reflecting on the show's legacy as "The Joy Machine."
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWe call this show The Joy Machine. Because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine. But the thing is, if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn't hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears.
The Late Show is over.
CBS canceled the 33-year-old late-night staple created by David Letterman, despite its beloved host, top position in the ratings, and multi-platform marketing appeal.
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