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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Stephen Colbert grew emotional during the opening remarks of The Late Show’s May 21, 2026 finale, praising the people who made the program and the joy they created together. The broadcast ended with Paul McCartney, Colbert, musicians and staff performing “Hello, Goodbye,” followed by a final image of the Ed Sullivan Theater transformed into a snow globe.
Why Colbert became emotional
Colbert’s farewell began with gratitude for the people behind the show. As he put it, “And I cannot adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other and how much we mean to each other.” CBS News reported the remark from his opening speech.
The Daily Beast described Colbert as appearing to fight back tears. In the same remarks, he called the show a “Joy Machine” and reflected on its connection with viewers: “We were here to feel the news with you, and I don’t know about you, but I sure have felt it.”
The Associated Press reported another line from his farewell: “You’ve given it to us. We’ve given it all right back to you.” Taken together, the remarks made the goodbye about the shared work of the staff and the relationship with the audience—not only the end of a television run.
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What happened in the finale’s closing minutes
The final performance
Paul McCartney was the finale’s last guest. The broadcast closed with McCartney and Colbert joined onstage by Elvis Costello, former bandleader Jon Batiste, bandleader Louis Cato, the band and show staff for “Hello, Goodbye.” CBS News and the Los Angeles Times reported on the performance.
The theater becomes a snow globe
After the song, Colbert and McCartney switched off the theater’s light box. The final visual sent the Ed Sullivan Theater into a green wormhole before turning it into a snow globe, according to the Los Angeles Times. It was a separate, surreal sign-off after the heartfelt farewell and group performance.
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What the finale marked
The May 21, 2026 broadcast ended Colbert’s 11-year tenure as host. It also brought the Late Show franchise’s 33-year run to a close; CBS News reported that Colbert had hosted more than 1,800 episodes. Those figures describe the scale of the ending, but they do not establish a ranking of its emotional impact.
“The most emotional outro ever” is a matter of opinion, not a verifiable television record. What can be said is that Colbert’s remarks were visibly emotional, centered on his colleagues and the joy of making the show, and led into a finale that combined a farewell song with an imaginative last scene.
Where to watch the finale
Paramount Press Express’s official show page identifies The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as a CBS production from the Ed Sullivan Theater and links to the show’s official YouTube channel. That page does not confirm that the complete finale is currently available to stream, so check the official channel or broadcaster listings for current clips and episode access.
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