The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Finale: How to watch the historic final episode Live tonight

After years of political satire, celebrity interviews and unforgettable monologues, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is officially coming to an end tonight. But this is not simply the final episode of Stephen Colbert’s run behind the desk. The finale also marks the closing chapter of one of television’s most recognizable late-night franchises, which first began in 1993 with David Letterman.

For longtime viewers, the farewell broadcast represents the end of an era that helped define late-night television for more than three decades.

Here is everything fans need to know about how to watch “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” finale live, including start time, CBS details and Paramount+ streaming information.

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Finale Airs Tonight

CBS will broadcast the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” tonight at 11:35 p.m. ET.

Unlike a standard installment, the finale is expected to run longer than the show’s usual one-hour format as the network gives Colbert and his team additional time to close out the historic franchise.

The episode will air live from the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, which has served as the home of “The Late Show” since Letterman launched the series in the early 1990s.

CBS originally announced the show’s cancellation in July, setting the stage for tonight’s emotional farewell.

Why Tonight’s Finale Matters for Late-Night TV

The ending of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” carries larger significance beyond one host stepping away.

The broader “Late Show” brand became a cornerstone of American television after Letterman departed NBC and launched the franchise on CBS in 1993. Over the years, the series evolved into one of the defining voices in modern late-night entertainment.

When Colbert took over in 2015, he transformed the program into a politically charged mix of comedy, interviews and cultural commentary that frequently dominated online conversation.

His version of the show also became especially influential during election cycles and major news events, helping redefine what late-night television looked like in the streaming and social media era.

Now, with the franchise officially ending, many viewers see tonight as the symbolic conclusion of a major chapter in network television history.

Star-Studded Guests Helped Close Out the Final Weeks

The final stretch of episodes has featured several high-profile appearances and emotional moments.

Bruce Springsteen recently appeared on the penultimate episode to perform and celebrate the show’s legacy.

Meanwhile, Colbert also reunited with fellow late-night personalities:

• Jimmy Kimmel
  
• Jimmy Fallon
  
• Seth Meyers
  
• John Oliver
  

The group, famously known to fans as “Strike Force Five”, appeared together to help send off Colbert during the show’s final weeks.

Their appearances underscored how deeply connected the modern late-night community has become, even while competing 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 through the CBS mobile app.

Several live-TV streaming services will also carry the broadcast, including:

• Fubo
  
• Hulu + Live TV
  
• YouTube TV
  
• DIRECTV Stream
  
• Sling TV
  

Many of these platforms offer free trial options for eligible subscribers.

Paramount+ Streaming Details Explained

Viewers can also stream “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” finale live using Paramount+. Subscribers to Paramount+ Premium can access the CBS livestream during the broadcast.

Meanwhile, Paramount+ Essential subscribers will be able to watch the episode on-demand beginning the following day. The finale is expected to become one of the platform’s most-watched late-night uploads given the historic nature of the event.

What Replaces ‘The Late Show’ on CBS?

CBS already has replacement programming lined up for the iconic 11:35 p.m. time slot. Beginning Friday night, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen will move into the late-night position.

Following that, the game show Funny You Should Ask will air during the overnight hours. The programming shift signals a major transition for CBS after decades of maintaining a flagship late-night interview franchise.

The End of an Era for Television

For millions of viewers, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” became more than nightly entertainment. Whether audiences tuned in for celebrity interviews, sharp political humor or emotional monologues during difficult national moments, the show established itself as a major voice in modern pop culture.

Tonight’s finale not only closes Colbert’s chapter, but also ends a franchise that shaped American late-night television for over 30 years.

FAQs

What time does ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ finale start?

The finale airs tonight at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS.

Can fans stream ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ live?

Yes. The finale can be streamed live through Paramount+ and several live-TV streaming services.