Stephen Colbert takes a swipe at CBS executives.
'Hope This Doesn't Cost CBS Any Money!': Stephen Colbert Mocks Old Bosses With Copyright Stunt in Finale Episode
Stephen Colbert has officially concluded his 11-year tenure as the host of CBS’s The Late Show.
In the final episode, Colbert balanced an emotional farewell with a satirical swipe at network executives over the program's sudden cancellation.
During his signature 'Meanwhile' comedy segment, Colbert talked about a recent news story regarding a copyright enforcement campaign by the estate of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz against unauthorized musical reproductions.
Right then, Colbert' band began playing Linus and Lucy, the famous Peanuts theme song.
In that moment, Colbert turned directly to the camera and joked that he hoped this would not cost CBS a lot of money over potential copyright infringement.
“Peanuts is a powerful brand and corporation in and of itself. Anyone illegally using that music is going to have to pay through the nose... Louis, Louis! Is the band right now playing the same Peanuts music I just said people were being sued for, for using without permission? Is that what you're doing? Oh no, I hope this doesn't cost CBS any money!” Colbert said.
Social Media Users React To Stephen Colbert's Jibe
Reacting to Colbert's jab at CBS, one social media user called it "the greatest exit in Television history."
An individual stated, referring to the Peanuts theme song incident, "He is going to cost the network MILLIONS in royalties. And he smiled through the whole thing."
Another added, "Colbert billing CBS with the Peanuts theme on his way out is elite pettiness.”
An X user reacts to Stephen Colbert's latest jibe at CBS.
One user wrote, "Did he? Really? or do you think it was a joke for viewers?"
"I can play Linus & Lucy on my piano, or any piano, whenever I want," noted an individual.
Another stated, "He's stupid and unfunny."
The Donald Trump Controversy
After the show was canceled, many people wondered what caused the decision, as the show reportedly had decent ratings.
However, the network was reportedly trying to get the government to approve a giant business deal.
Paramount, which owns CBS, reportedly paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit with President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Colbert had openly slammed the payout on his program, characterizing the settlement as a "big fat corporate bribe."
Moreover, during the final week of the show, rock legend Bruce Springsteen joined the program, explicitly asserting that Trump had engineered Colbert’s dismissal because the politician could not take a joke.
An X post on CBS canceling Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show.'
Reacting to Colbert's firing, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings."
When the show aired in its final week, the president once again took to Truth Social and wrote, "Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. He was like a dead person. You could take any person off the street and they would be better than this total jerk. Thank goodness he’s finally gone!"
Stephen Colbert Returns to Television 23 Hours After Leaving CBS
Colbert did not stay away from television for long. Just 23 hours after leaving CBS, he surprised everyone by hosting a tiny local TV show in Monroe, Michigan.
The low-budget show is called Only in Monroe.
Famous stars like Jack White, Jeff Daniels and Steve Buscemi appeared on the small set alongside him.
Colbert used that moment to take one last dig at his old bosses. He said, "It's been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV. So I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount."