NEW YORK — Stephen Colbert’s final week as host of CBS’ “Late Show” features a star-studded lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, David Byrne and Steven Spielberg. The four episodes, airing Monday through Thursday, mark the conclusion of Colbert’s nine-year run on the late-night program. Spielberg will appear as a “special guest” for one of the shows, adding to the series’ legacy of high-profile interviews.

Colbert announced the final week’s guests in a social media post, calling the lineup “a dream come true.” Springsteen, a frequent guest on late-night shows, joins Colbert for a conversation likely to cover music, politics and the singer’s storied career. Stewart, Colbert’s former “Daily Show” colleague, will bring his sharp humor and political commentary to the desk, while Byrne’s appearance adds a musical and artistic dimension to the week.

The final four episodes cap a tenure that began in 2015 after Colbert succeeded David Letterman. Under Colbert’s leadership, “Late Show” became known for its mix of political satire, celebrity interviews and musical performances. The show’s ratings and cultural impact have made it a staple in late-night television, often ranking among the top programs in its time slot.

Colbert’s final week on “Late Show” comes as late-night television faces evolving audience habits. Streaming services and social media have changed how viewers consume comedy and interviews, but Colbert’s departure marks a significant shift in the genre’s landscape. His successor has not yet been announced, leaving fans and industry observers speculating about the future of the franchise.

The final episode, airing Thursday, will feature a retrospective of Colbert’s time on the show, including clips and interviews with colleagues. Colbert has hinted that the week will be emotional, with tributes from guests and behind-the-scenes stories from the series’ history. Fans are encouraged to watch the episodes live or stream them online to catch the final moments of the series.

Colbert’s departure follows a pattern of late-night hosts stepping away after long tenures. David Letterman, Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien all left their late-night shows after years at the helm, often with high-profile farewell weeks. Colbert’s exit, however, comes at a time when the industry is grappling with declining ratings and changing viewer preferences.

The final week of “Late Show” is expected to draw significant attention, with Colbert’s fans and the late-night community tuning in to celebrate his contributions. The show’s legacy will likely be measured not just by its ratings but by its influence on political satire and comedy in the digital age.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Rolling Stone
  • Published: May 16, 2026 at 13:31 UTC
  • Category: Entertainment
  • Topics: #music · #rolling-stone · #culture · #war · #conflict · #stephen-colbert

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 16, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

O fim de uma era na televisão americana está prestes a chegar: Stephen Colbert se despede do Late Show após nove anos à frente do programa, e a última semana promete deixar saudades com convidadas de peso como Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, David Byrne e Steven Spielberg. A apresentação especial, marcada para a semana de 13 a 17 de maio, será um verdadeiro marco para os fãs do humor político e do entretenimento inteligente que o programa consagrou, encerrando não só uma trajetória, mas também uma era da própria televisão noturna.

Nos Estados Unidos, o Late Show com Colbert se tornou um fenômeno cultural, especialmente pela maneira como o apresentador conseguiu equilibrar humor ácido, entrevistas profundas e um tom crítico às instabilidades políticas do país. Para o Brasil, onde programas como esse influenciam até mesmo os formatos de entretenimento local, o legado de Colbert representa a força do jornalismo de opinião disfarçado de comédia, um modelo que muitos tentam replicar por aqui. A despedida, transmitida globalmente, também reacende discussões sobre o futuro do gênero, cada vez mais pressionado pela fragmentação das audiências nas redes sociais.

Com a transmissão ao vivo prometendo momentos emocionantes e nostálgicos, a grande pergunta que fica é: quem será o sucessor de Colbert no Late Show? A CBS já anunciou que não terá um substituto imediato, deixando os fãs especulando sobre o próximo capítulo do programa ou até mesmo a possibilidade de uma nova era na televisão noturna.