On Wednesday night, Bruce Springsteen made an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to perform his song “Streets of Minneapolis.” This episode marked the penultimate installment before the show’s conclusion. Springsteen’s performance and pointed critique stood out in contrast to the rest of the episode, which featured a series of light-hearted interactions with Stephen Colbert’s celebrity friends.
Springsteen, known for his straightforward messages, criticized David Ellison, CEO of CBS’s parent company Paramount, along with his father, Larry Ellison, for their relationship with the Trump administration. Springsteen accused them of lacking understanding of American freedoms. As he sang, he highlighted references to “King Trump’s private army” and “Trump’s federal thugs.” This moment was a stark departure from the upbeat tone set by celebrities like Billy Crystal and Aubrey Plaza, who participated in a humorous “Colbert Questionert.”
The show’s host, Stephen Colbert, decided to sidestep anger regarding the cancellation of his show, despite the sudden decision by CBS. The network claimed the cancellation was a financial decision. The episode included cameos by well-known personalities asking quirky questions, creating a playful atmosphere.
Additionally, the episode incorporated a noteworthy emotional moment when Colbert announced a $2.4 million donation to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, which led to an outpouring of appreciation from the chef. Colbert’s approach seemed to focus on positivity rather than dwelling on the show’s end.
The anticipation continues for the final episode, where fans hope Colbert will provide a space for viewers to express the emotions the format has evoked throughout his tenure.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, the show welcomed Jon Stewart, who shared a history similar to Colbert’s as both had shows ended by Paramount. Their camaraderie provided a moment of reflection, underscored by an impressive musical set featuring Andra Day and an exhilarating performance by David Byrne.
The audience experienced a mix of nostalgia and fresh content that highlighted Colbert and Stewart’s shared journey in late-night television. The episode concluded with Colbert and Byrne collaborating in a participatory music segment, capturing the essence of Colbert’s willingness to embrace lively performances during the final run of shows.
Monday’s episode took a different route by presenting a “best of the worst” selection, paying homage to the show’s production team. This unconventional celebration featured never-before-aired comedy bits, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the program’s more experimental and less successful ventures. It served as a tribute to Colbert’s staff and their efforts throughout the show’s history.
As the show approached its last episodes, it focused on personal connections and joy, steering away from the standard nostalgia of clip montages. This strategy allowed the team to celebrate their camaraderie and creativity, though it left fans hoping for a more fitting farewell in the final episodes.