'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' airs celeb-filled final episode

NPR | By Leila Fadel,

Eric Deggans

Published May 22, 2026 at 4:42 AM EDT

The send-off for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was filled with celebrity cameos, an appearance from a Beatle and moving musical tributes.

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

Eric Deggans

Eric Deggans is NPR's first full-time TV critic.

See stories by Eric Deggans

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