Catch Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Finale Live — Here’s How to Watch for Free!

The curtain is closing on a beloved late-night television show.

This week marked a series of special goodbye episodes, culminating in tonight’s final showing of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

Colbert recently told People, “Running this show takes a substantial amount of effort, and stepping away now allows me time and energy for other pursuits that interest me.” He added that ending the show might very well have “saved [his] life.”

Here’s how you can watch the last episode, and yes, you can watch it for free.

When does “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” conclude?

The last episode airs on CBS, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT.

Options for Viewing the Final Episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”

To tune in, a live TV streaming service is necessary. DirecTV, which offers a five-day free trial and includes CBS in several of its packages, is a recommended choice.

Additionally, the final episode will be streamed live on Paramount+ for premium members and will be available on-demand the following day for those with ad-supported plans.

Who will be the Final Guest on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”?

With guests ranging from Martha Stewart to Aubrey Plaza during the farewell week, the final guest remains unannounced. Colbert hinted at a “simple” finale in his interview with People.

He announced the cancellation of the show in July 2025 after nearly 33 years on air, telling his audience, “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”

“It’s been a great privilege and an immense responsibility to do what we do here every day. After 10 years, I can say it’s truly been a wonderful job,” he said during one of his broadcasts. “I wish someone else could experience it.”

At the time, CBS explained to Variety that the decision to end the series was strictly a financial one.

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This piece was penned by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Associate Editor at Page Six. Hannah tracks down deals on affordable celebrity fashion, evaluates celebrity-owned brands, and discovers beauty products that keep stars looking flawless on the red carpet. She consults with stylists and industry experts, including celebrities themselves, to get direct product recommendations, trend insights, and more. Her writing has been featured in outlets like USA Today and Parade, in addition to her contributions to Page Six since 2020.