Stephen Colbert, the host of "The Late Show," gave a heartfelt final pre-show speech to his studio audience on Thursday, marking the end of his long-running CBS program. Reflecting on the journey, Colbert noted, "We have done over 1,800 of these shows, and most nights I come out here and I talk to the audience beforehand, and tonight I thought I'd talk to the audience in here and the audience out there at home. This show, I want you to know — and [home viewers] to know — has been a joy for us to do for you."
The host expressed deep gratitude toward the show's staff, acknowledging their dedication and the profound bond they shared. "I cannot adequately explain what the people who work here have done for each other and how much we mean to each other," he said.
Drawing a contrast with his earlier Comedy Central program, "The Colbert Report," where his role was to "feel the news at you," Colbert emphasized the unique connection of "The Late Show." "We were here to feel the news with you. And I don't know about you, but I sure have felt it," he remarked.
Despite the emotional weight of the moment, Colbert resisted sentimentality and ended his speech with his signature sign-off from the past 11 years: "Have a good show, thanks for being here, and let's do it, y'all."
The full pre-show speech was shared online, allowing fans to witness the host's final words to his loyal audience.
