As CBS prepares to pull the plug on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, fans are bracing for an emotional goodbye to one of late-night television’s most transformative figures.

Stephen Colbert, 61, has evolved from the razor-sharp political satirist of The Colbert Report into a soulful “grief counselor” for millions, a shift that has defined his tenure on CBS. With every episode now a precious countdown, Colbert is pouring his heart into each moment, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

Once known for his biting, macho persona on Comedy Central, Colbert’s journey on The Late Show has been nothing short of remarkable. The South Carolina-raised comedian, who once skewered political absurdities with a smirk, has become a beacon of empathy, blending humor with raw vulnerability. “We often realize we love something as we’re losing it,” Colbert told WSJ. Magazine, reflecting on the fleeting nature of his platform. His ability to navigate heavy topics—grief, loss, and shared humanity—has turned his show into a cultural touchstone, a place where laughter and tears coexist.

This transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Evie McGee, Colbert’s wife of nearly three decades, appeared on a recent episode to share her pride in his evolution. “He’s pouring his soul into every night, treasuring each second with you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. Her words hinted at a poignant farewell, suggesting Stephen is acutely aware that his time on the late-night stage is drawing to a close. Fans, still reeling from the cancellation news, have flooded social media with tributes, calling him “TV’s heart” and a “light in dark times.”

Colbert’s knack for connecting with guests and viewers alike stems from his own profound experiences with loss. The tragic 1974 plane crash that claimed his father and two brothers, followed by his mother’s passing in 2013, shaped his empathetic lens. Guests like Andrew Garfield, who opened up about his mother’s death on the show, have praised Colbert’s openness. “He gives us permission to feel,” Garfield wrote, a sentiment echoed by viewers who see The Late Show as a rare space for emotional honesty in a polarized world.

As the final episodes approach, Colbert’s bandleader, Jon Batiste, revealed the weight of this moment. “Stephen feels the burden of being a light bearer,” Batiste shared, noting their private moments of reflection off-camera. Each show now feels like a love letter to fans, with Colbert quoting poet E.E. Cummings: “Love is the every only god / who spoke this earth so glad and big.” It’s a reminder of why his departure stings so deeply.

With only months left, The Late Show is more than a comedy hour—it’s a celebration of resilience, connection, and the human spirit. Colbert, once eager to be “as silly as possible,” has embraced a higher calling, turning his stage into a sanctuary. Don’t miss the final bow of a late-night legend whose heart has forever changed the game.