Stephen Colbert’s final episode as host of CBS’s ‘The Late Show’ drew 6.7 million viewers on Thursday night, tripling the program’s usual spring audience and making it one of the most-watched late-night broadcasts in recent memory. The surge underscores Colbert’s enduring appeal and the event-driven draw of late-night television, even as streaming habits continue to reshape the business.
In Manhattan’s Theater District, where the show has filmed at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, fans lined up for hours on West 53rd Street hoping for a glimpse of Colbert’s last curtain call. The episode featured surprise celebrity guests and drew emotional tributes from longtime staffers, capping a tenure that helped define New York’s late-night landscape over the past decade.
Despite the ratings spike, Colbert’s numbers land at roughly half the audience that tuned in for the farewells of Jay Leno and David Letterman, who each drew more than 13 million viewers during their final episodes. The contrast highlights how much the late-night format—and the broader TV ecosystem—has fragmented since the era when Letterman and Leno dominated national conversation.
For New York’s media industry, Colbert’s finale is a poignant reminder of the city’s central role in shaping American pop culture. It also raises questions about the future of high-profile, studio-based talk shows as networks navigate declining linear viewership and the continued rise of digital platforms. CBS has yet to announce its long-term plans for the 11:35 p.m. slot, with speculation swirling about potential successors and format changes in the coming weeks.
As spring turns into summer, the buzz on Broadway and in media circles is focused on what’s next for late-night in the city that never sleeps—and whether any future host can recapture the historic highs of their predecessors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many viewers watched Stephen Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode?
Stephen Colbert’s final episode drew 6.7 million viewers.
How does Colbert’s finale audience compare to Jay Leno and David Letterman’s final episodes?
Colbert’s finale had about half the audience of Leno and Letterman’s farewells, which each drew more than 13 million viewers.
Where was ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ filmed?
The show was filmed at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan’s Theater District.
What factors contributed to the high viewership of Colbert’s last episode?
The episode featured surprise celebrity guests and emotional tributes, and the event-driven nature of the finale tripled the show’s usual spring audience.
Has CBS announced a replacement for Colbert on ‘The Late Show’?
CBS has not yet announced its long-term plans for the 11:35 p.m. slot or a successor for Colbert.
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