Kamala Harris, Jimmy Kimmel, fans react to Stephen Colbert's final Late Show gig

Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Thursday (May 21) night, officially ending his 11-year run on CBS. The farewell episode sparked an emotional wave of reactions online from fans, fellow hosts and public figures, particularly after CBS decided to retire the 33-year-old Late Show franchise altogether instead of replacing Colbert.

Fans flooded social media with emotional tributes and messages celebrating the host’s legacy.

One fan wrote, "We LOVE YOU Stephen Colbert & I'm really gonna miss you and your show. Now I'm gonna have to start watching one of your buddies! Which one should I watch? Anyway, good luck to you and all your staff in whatever you do in the future (sic)."

Another user posted, "Goodnight Late Show. It sucks what's happening but can't wait to see what Stephen Colbert does next. Screw CBS/Paramount (sic)."

A different fan recalled a personal memory tied to the show, writing, "One of my greatest joys in 2018 was going to New York City and getting to go to the The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. That was a trip where I ended up getting a call that led me to Sacramento for 4 years... Changed my life forever... (sic)."

One more reaction read, "Tonight is the last episode of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It's a truly dark day in the history of our country. I don't know how America is going to survive without hard-hitting comedy like this (sic)."

CELEBRITIES PAY TRIBUTE

Several high-profile personalities also paid tribute to Colbert and the long-running talk show.

Kamala Harris wrote, "Stephen Colbert has a talent for making people laugh and encouraging them to stay curious, stay engaged, and stay hopeful about the world around them. @StephenAtHome: Thank you for your voice, your creativity, and so many memorable conversations over the years. Cheers to you (sic)."

Conan O'Brien shared, "Here's to Stephen Colbert, a man of great integrity and wit. Onward, friend, to bigger and better things (sic)."

Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel posted a photo with Colbert from the show’s set and wrote, "Tonight we congratulate our friend Stephen @Colbert and his writers, staff and crew for eleven years of excellence. Watch Colbert’s finale tonight, and then never watch CBS again (sic)."

ABOUT STEPHEN COLBERT'S FINAL EPISODE

The finale episode featured an impressive lineup of guests, including legendary musician Paul McCartney, former bandleader Jon Batiste and actors Bryan Cranston, Ryan Reynolds and Paul Rudd in the audience.

In a rare gesture of solidarity, other late-night hosts including Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon either aired reruns or skipped broadcasts entirely to keep the spotlight on Colbert’s farewell.

CBS had announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in July 2025, citing financial pressures in the traditional broadcast television landscape. However, critics and Colbert himself had hinted at possible political undertones following his criticism of Paramount over a reported USD 16 million legal settlement involving Donald Trump.

Following the end of the show, Stephen Colbert is now shifting focus toward screenwriting. He is currently co-writing the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past alongside filmmaker Peter Jackson, writer Philippa Boyens and Jackson’s son Peter McGee.