Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show is set to make a memorable exit this Thursday. CBS has announced plans for a sendoff that deviates from the traditional format.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to have an extended finale
CBS has started promoting Thursday’s sendoff as “the extended Late Show series finale,” as first reported by LateNighter.
The network has not disclosed the exact runtime for Stephen Colbert’s final episode on May 21. This finale will signify the end of Colbert’s 11-year run and the Late Show franchise’s 33-year history. The final week will feature prominent guests including Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne, and Bruce Springsteen.
However, CBS is remaining tight-lipped about who will appear in the actual finale episode. Information regarding the guest stars for the last broadcast is being kept confidential.
David Letterman’s 2015 CBS farewell provides some context for an extended runtime. That finale exceeded its usual slot by 17 minutes, although it was not initially planned that way. Executive producer Barbara Gaines later recounted that CBS granted approval late in the evening before the show aired.
Colbert has adopted a unique approach for his final episodes throughout the week. On Monday, he broke from the show’s typical format by inviting staff members to present previously rejected segments. Last week, David Letterman joined Colbert to throw furniture off the Ed Sullivan Theater roof.
Both Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will air reruns on Thursday night. ABC and NBC made this decision in respect of Colbert’s farewell broadcast, ensuring he faces no new competition during his final episode.
After the final episode is recorded on May 21, an after-party will take place at a nearby venue. Invitations for the celebration state, “That’s a WRAP! (PARTY),” with a dress code described as “Fired & Festive!” The guest list will include the stars of the finale along with several other celebrities.
