'It's been a joy': Colbert wraps up 'The Late Show'

'It's been a joy': Colbert wraps up 'The Late Show'

After more than 1,800 episodes, Stephen Colbert has bid adieu to The Late Show.

The comedian began the finale on Thursday with a heartfelt message to the audience.

"This show... I want you to know this show has been a joy for us to do for you," he said. "In fact, we call this show The Joy Machine."

'Anyone can read the news to you...'

Colbert reminisced about his early days on The Colbert Report, saying, "On night one of The Colbert Report, back in the day, I said, 'Anyone can read the news to you. I promise to feel the news at you.'"

He added that their job was to "feel the news with you," and thanked everyone for their support over the past 11 years.

Colbert on history of the Ed Sullivan Theater

Colbert also spoke about the history of the Ed Sullivan Theater, where The Late Show is filmed.

"We've been honored to have been just a small part of it, Nichols and May played on the stage. The Beatles made their American debut here, and, backstage, Elvis used the bathroom and didn't die," he added.

'The Late Show' finale featured Paul McCartney, Bryan Cranston

The finale of The Late Show was star-studded, with celebrity cameos from Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, and Tig Notaro.

Colbert's final guest was Paul McCartney. The Beatles member joked about being in the area for errands before gifting Colbert a framed photo of The Beatles performing at the Ed Sullivan Theater in 1964.

He and Colbert, along with many others, performed Hello, Goodbye to end the show on an emotional high.

CBS canceled 'The Late Show' last year

The Late Show was canceled last year as part of CBS's decision to shut down the entire late-night franchise.

The network claimed it was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night" and not related to the show's performance or content.

However, many speculated that the cancellation was linked to Colbert's criticism of Paramount Global's $16 million settlement with US President Donald Trump.