John Oliver takes a shot at CBS in tribute to Stephen Colbert.
John Oliver Hijacks Credits Roll With Profane CBS Shot Before Colbert Finale
May 18 2026, Updated 2:35 p.m. ET
John Oliver used the closing moments of Last Week Tonight to commend Stephen Colbert as he heads into the last week of The Late Show. He made a direct appeal to viewers along with a profane farewell directed at CBS.
Oliver shared his thoughts as the credits rolled on Sunday’s episode of his HBO show. He urged viewers to tune in to Colbert’s final episodes before CBS wraps up The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week. Entertainment Weekly reported that Oliver called Colbert “the f---ing best” and ended with, “Good night, and good luck, motherf---ers!”
John Oliver delivers an explicit credit roll in a nod to Stephen Colbert.
This line echoed David Letterman’s recent appearance on The Late Show, where he joined Colbert and offered a similar goodbye to CBS. Letterman started the Late Show franchise in 1993 and hosted it until 2015. He twisted Edward R. Murrow’s famous signoff, “Good night, and good luck,” to add some profanity.
Oliver made his comments just days before Colbert’s last broadcast, set for May 21 on CBS. This episode will mark the end of Colbert’s 11-season run as host and conclude the Late Show franchise after more than 30 years on the network.
In July 2025, CBS announced it would end the show and retire the franchise in May 2026. The network described this as a “financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” according to CBS News.
As a result, Colbert will not be replaced in the 11:35 p.m. slot. Reuters reported that CBS stated the cancellation was not related to the show’s content, performance, or “matters at Paramount.”
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Colbert informed his audience last summer that he learned the show would end the following May. He noted that this decision impacted not just his program, but the entire franchise.
Oliver’s tribute came amid a series of late-night goodbyes for Colbert, whose final week included high-profile guests and support from fellow hosts.
People reported that guests for the final run included Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, David Byrne, and Bruce Springsteen. CBS has yet to reveal the complete guest list for the final episode.
Letterman’s appearance last week added a sharper tone to the end of Colbert's run. During his visit, Letterman and Colbert tossed furniture and props from the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater, recalling Letterman’s long history with the venue and the network.
Oliver’s message at the end of his show reflected that same mood. Instead of waiting for a formal segment, he used the final moments of his show to direct viewers to Colbert and echoed the Murrow-inspired farewell, adding an insult aimed at CBS.
After Colbert's finale, CBS will replace The Late Show with Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, according to People. This change will mark the first time since 1993 that CBS has not included The Late Show in its late-night lineup.