Stephen Colbert’s Final Episodes: A Week of Memorable Performances and Reflections

Bruce Springsteen appeared on the second-to-last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, performing his song “Streets of Minneapolis.” The show wraps up on Thursday. Critic Eric Deggans will share his thoughts on these final episodes.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

During Colbert’s last episodes, he avoided anger over CBS’s surprise decision to cancel the show. Nonetheless, Bruce Springsteen’s performance offered a strong critique. He played his anti-ICE song “Streets of Minneapolis” after commenting on the show’s cancellation. “You’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke,” Springsteen remarked, directing criticism at CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and its executives. Springsteen played his guitar and harmonica, adding, “They have no idea what the freedoms of this beautiful country are supposed to be about.”

Springsteen’s passionate performance contrasted with the celebrity-packed segment earlier. Guests like Billy Crystal, Josh Brolin, Tiffany Haddish, and Colbert’s wife, Evie McGee Colbert, participated in Colbert’s “Questionert.” Limited time led to choppy editing, missing a chance for deeper connections. Despite this, earlier scenes showed emotion as Colbert announced a $2.4 million donation to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen. Andrés praised Colbert, saying, “People of America…he is the best of us.”

This week’s episodes felt like Colbert restrained his emotions, focusing on avoiding negativity about CBS’s decision. Springsteen voiced what audiences might feel, leaving hope that the final show allows fans to process the show’s end.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

The third-to-last show welcomed Colbert’s former boss, Jon Stewart. They discussed their shared experience of Paramount canceling their shows. Colbert’s Late Show ends Thursday, while Stewart’s show was canceled in the 1990s. Stewart joked about the situation, quoting David Letterman about not confusing cancellation with failure.

Andra Day serenaded Colbert and Stewart, who sat in motorized recliner chairs. Director Steven Spielberg joined the show, leading to a performance by David Byrne. With musicians in blue jumpsuits, Byrne performed “Burning Down the House,” joined by Colbert. This lively moment highlighted Colbert’s participatory style.

Monday, May 18, 2026

Unlike typical finales with memorable clips, Colbert started his last week with a “best of the worst of” episode. Formerly unaired comedy bits took center stage, a nod to the staff’s efforts. Colbert and his team revisited past sketches like a mock ad for “erotic body gravy” and a never-aired “Hillary Clinton for President” graphic.

The staff’s camaraderie shone, yet Monday’s episode didn’t offer much celebration beyond shared laughter. Paul Shaffer’s disco parody with Colbert felt like a missed opportunity. As Colbert’s run concludes, there’s hope the remaining episodes allow fans to enjoy one of late night’s cherished talents.