See Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ sign-off
See Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ sign-off
The beloved comedian will take his place behind the hosting desk of ‘The Late Show’ for the final time on Thursday evening.
Where will Stephen Colbert end up next? The sky is seemingly the limit for the comedian, who will host his final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Thursday, May 21 at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS. Some fantastic guests are lined up to bid farewell to Colbert, and his goodbye message to fans is sure to be heartfelt and poignant. You can stream Colbert’s final “Late Show” appearance with a five-day free trial to DIRECTV or on Paramount+.
How to watch Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode
- When: Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:35 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS
- Stream: Watch with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV or on Paramount+.
- From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a VPN.
Everything you need to know about Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode
What time does Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode begin?
Stephen Colbert’s final episode of “The Late Show” will begin airing on CBS at the show’s normal time of 11:35 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 21.
Who will be the guests on Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’?
During his final week, Colbert has already welcomed Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne, Amy Sedaris, Bruce Springsteen, his wife Evie, and more. However, which celebrities will properly say goodbye to the late-night icon on his final episode is being kept under wraps. Undoubtedly, Colbert and his team have some surprises up their sleeves, so you will just have to tune in to see which stars make an appearance.
Colbert has publicly stated that he wrote a letter to Pope Leo XIV, inviting him on the show, but there has been no confirmation that the first U.S.-born pope has any interest in being a part of a late-night show. As an outspoken Catholic, Colbert has called the pontiff his “white whale,” and a get like that would certainly warrant high-levels of secrecy.
There is also speculation that George Clooney could appear on the final episode of “The Late Show.” When David Letterman signed off as the show’s host, he bookended his time by returning to his first guest, Bill Murray. Clooney was the first guest to sit down with Colbert on “The Late Show,” so it would be a fitting way to nod toward the show’s past. Heck, perhaps even Murray himself will have a cameo.
Why do we recommend watching Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode on DIRECTV?
DIRECTV is the best choice to watch the last “Late Show” episode with Stephen Colbert, mostly because of the fantastic amount of access to CBS that the streamer provides. Viewers can find CBS in all DIRECTV Signature channel packages, which start at $85 per month with a current promotion.
Viewers can also find CBS in the DIRECTV MySports Genre Pack (normally $65 per month) or the MySports + News combo pack (normally $80 per month). These plans include only the specific channel types listed in their name, but cost much less than a standard all-in-one pay-TV plan. And best of all, each is discounted $20 for a new customer’s first two months.
New customers also get a five-day free trial of DIRECTV, so if you haven’t tried the service before, you can watch this “Late Show” episode for free with a new subscription. Enjoy CBS in Signature packages or Genre Packs with DIRECTV, and get a new pay-TV package at a great price.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.
Can you watch Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode for free?
Apart from DIRECTV, there are several streamers that carry CBS in at least some packages and offer a free trial to new subscribers.
Fubo carries the channel in its Fubo Sports service, as well as its Pro, Elite, and Deluxe plans. The streamer costs between $56 and $104 per month, and includes a free trial between one and seven days, depending on various factors such as the time of month you sign up.
Hulu + Live TV has a three-day trial for all new customers, after which channel packages with the Disney Bundle included cost $90 per month.
YouTube TV’s free trial lasts between two and 21 days, depending on numerous variables. Once its trial ends, its core plan is $83 per month, and its Sports Genre Plan is discounted to $55 per month.
| DIRECTV | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube TV | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Save with Sling | Free Trial | |||||
| $20.99 | $9.99 | $28.99 | $25 | $19.99 | $29.99 | $45.99 | $45.99 | $64.99 | ||
| CBS | + $24 | + $59 | + $61 | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | |
What are all the services you can use to watch Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode?
You can stream Stephen Colbert’s final “Late Show” with DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV. As we explained, DIRECTV is our favorite choice, but there are options available. Sling TV cannot be used to stream the show, as it does not carry CBS.
Paramount+ Premium subscribers can stream the episode live, along with all the other content on their local CBS station. Paramount+ Premium costs $14 per month.
Paramount Plus
Paramount+ is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 40,000+ TV show episodes from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and more. Get free access with a Walmart+ subscription.
Paramount+ includes “1883,” “Tulsa King,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and “PAW Patrol.” Subscribers can watch the NFL, college football, The Masters, college basketball, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Serie A, and NWSL. The service also offers the option to watch your live CBS affiliate. The upgraded ad-free package includes premium movies and shows from Showtime.
Watch Stephen Colbert’s monologue from Wednesday, May 20
What you need to know about Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode
Colbert informed audiences of CBS’s decision to cancel “The Late Show” last summer, just days after the comedian criticized the network’s decision to settle a lawsuit with President Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview.
CBS has insisted that the decision was a financial one, but Colbert will no doubt get a chance to discuss the proceedings in detail with Jon Stewart, one of two guests slated to appear on his final episode of “The Late Show” on Thursday. Director Steven Spielberg will also join Colbert for his last turn in the host’s chair, making it an episode not to be missed.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.