How Stephen Colbert Took a Parting Shot at CBS During His Last 'Late Show' Episode

On the May 21 episode of 'The Late Show,' Stephen Colbert conducted his usual “Meanwhile” segment in which he poked fun at news headlines. Colbert specifically brought up how the owner of the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas and other Peanuts television specials has filed four lawsuits “against those illegally using the famous song ‘Linus and Lucy.’” Colbert said to his band leader, Louis Cato, “Now 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.” Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine band then started to play the cartoon’s iconic song. Colbert then quipped, “Oh no, I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money.” CBS announced in July 2025 that 'The Late Show' would end, claiming it was not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount” but was instead due to finances.