Stephen Colbert Gets Ready to Hang It Up

Each episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” over the past few weeks has offered a fresh reminder that the final one is rapidly approaching.

Oprah Winfrey swung by to tell Mr. Colbert that she needed to “say goodbye.” Jake Tapper came armed with a farewell gift. Billy Crystal sang him a song. The audience ovations are getting louder and louder.

“The feelings of the show ending are growing significantly now,” Mr. Colbert said.

Mr. Colbert’s observation was part of wide-ranging interview last week in his office above the Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway. Appearing both relaxed (he was barefoot) but also a bit restless (he occasionally fidgeted with an old-school football helmet), he reflected on the coming end of “The Late Show” on May 21, as well as his two-decade career as a late-night host. He also spoke about how his show had become so topical, President Trump and what he might do next.

He could be, as he put it, “long-winded” at times. Indeed. For one question, he gave an answer that lasted, with limited interruption, for 18 minutes.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/28/business/media/stephen-colbert-late-night-show.html