Stephen Colbert finale: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Finale: How to watch the historic final episode Live tonight
For longtime viewers, the farewell broadcast represents the end of an era that has helped define late-night television for more than three decades.
Here’s everything fans need to know about how to watch “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” finale live, including the start time, CBS details and Paramount+ streaming information.
‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Finale Airs Tonight
CBS will air the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” tonight at 11:35 PM ET.
Unlike a standard episode, the finale is expected to last longer than the series’ usual one-hour format, as the network gave Colbert and his team additional time to wrap up the historical series.
The episode will air live from the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, which has hosted “The Late Show” since Letterman launched the series in the early 1990s.
CBS first announced the series’ cancellation in July, setting the stage for tonight’s emotional farewell.
Why tonight’s finale matters for late-night TV
The end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has a larger meaning beyond one host walking away.
The broader “Late Show” brand became a staple of American television after Letterman left NBC in 1993 and launched the series on CBS. Over the years, the series has become one of the defining voices of modern late-night entertainment.
When Colbert took over in 2015, he transformed the show into a mix of politically charged comedy, interviews and cultural commentary that often dominates online conversations.
His version of the program was especially effective during election seasons and major news events, helping to redefine what late-night television looks like in the age of streaming and social media.
Now that the series has officially ended, many viewers see this night as the symbolic conclusion to an important chapter in the television channel’s history.
Star-Studded Guests Helped Complete Finals Week
The final stretch of episodes featured a number of high-profile appearances and emotional moments.
Bruce Springsteen recently appeared in the penultimate episode to showcase and celebrate the show’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Colbert also reunited with his late-night personalities:
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Jimmy Fallon
- Seth Meyers
- John Oliver
The group, known to fans as “Strike Force Five,” came together in the show’s final weeks to help send Colbert off.
Their appearances underlined how deeply connected the modern late-night community has become, even as they compete on rival networks.
How to Watch the ‘Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Finale Live
Fans who still have traditional cable access can watch the finale live on CBS or the CBS mobile app.
Various live TV streaming services will also carry the broadcast, including:
- fubo
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTubeTV
- DIRECTV Streaming
- Hanger TV
Many of these platforms offer free trial options for eligible subscribers.
Paramount+ Release Details Announced
Viewers can also stream the finale of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” using Paramount+. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can access CBS live streaming during broadcast.
Meanwhile, Paramount+ Essential subscribers will be able to watch the episode on demand starting the next day. Given the historic nature of the event, the finale is expected to be one of the platform’s most-watched late-night uploads.
What Will Replace ‘The Late Show’ on CBS?
CBS already has replacement programming ready for the iconic 11:35 p.m. timeslot. Starting Friday night, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen will move to the midnight slot.
Afterwards, the Funny You Should Ask game show will be broadcast at night. The programming change signals a major transition for CBS, which has maintained its late-night interview series for decades.
The End of an Era in Television
For millions of viewers, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has become more than just late-night entertainment. Whether viewers watch celebrity interviews, sharp political humor, or emotional monologues during difficult national moments, the program has established itself as an important voice in modern pop culture.
Tonight’s finale not only closes the chapter on Colbert, it also brings to an end a series that has shaped American late-night television for more than 30 years.
FAQ
What time does the finale of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ start?
The finale will air tonight at 23.35 on CBS.
Can fans stream ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ live?
Yes. The finale will be available to stream live via Paramount+ and various live TV streaming services.
