Late Night Goes Rogue

David Letterman returned to The Late Show for a final visit as Stephen Colbert prepares to end the CBS franchise.

Letterman, 79, joined Colbert, 62, on Thursday, May 14, at New York City’s Ed Sullivan Theater, where he launched the show in 1993. He retired in 2015, clearing the way for Colbert to succeed him.

The reunion mixed nostalgia with Letterman’s trademark bite. He joked about the theater’s transformation, Colbert’s inheritance of the franchise, and fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. The moment also underscored Letterman’s place in television history, alongside figures such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, and longtime musical partner Paul Shaffer.

Later, Letterman and Colbert took the sendoff to the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater, tossing Colbert’s desk chair, guest sofas, and a CBS cake marked “The Late Show 1993-2026” to the street below.

“I thought maybe tonight’s occasion would be a little sad, being the end of your run here, but this brings true joy to my heart. We are up here for the wanton destruction of CBS property,” Letterman said.

Colbert’s final episode is scheduled for Thursday, May 21. CBS announced the cancellation in July 2025, saying The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would conclude in May 2026 and that the franchise would be retired. The network called the decision financial and unrelated to the show’s performance, content, or developments at Paramount.

Paramount, CBS’ parent company, was acquired by Skydance Media in August 2025. Letterman later challenged CBS’ explanation in an interview with The New York Times, suggesting Colbert’s exit was connected to the sale. CBS maintained that the cancellation was purely financial.