It was a night of raw emotion and laughter as Stephen Colbert signed off from 'The Late Show' for the last time. The studio audience, a mix of loyal fans and celebrities, greeted him with a standing ovation that lasted a full minute. 'You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm going to miss the constant deadlines,' he joked, wiping his eyes.
The show, which has been a fixture for millions since 2015, ended with a montage of his most memorable moments: from political takedowns to silly musical numbers. For those in the studio and watching at home, it was the end of an era. 'He made sense of a mad world,' said Rachel, a fan from Ohio who travelled to New York for the show.
'I don't know what I'll do without him.' The final monologue was classic Colbert: a mix of gratitude, wit, and a call to stay engaged. 'This is not goodbye.
It's see you later, in a different capacity. Keep fighting the good fight.' As the credits rolled, the band played a final, bittersweet tune.
For millions, the lights went out on late night's most thoughtful host.
