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

NPR | By Leila Fadel,

Eric Deggans

Published May 22, 2026 at 3:42 AM CDT

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

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Leila Fadel

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

Eric Deggans

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

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