Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Jimmy Fallon Serenades Stephen Colbert as Show Releases Extra Farewell Footage

The surprise tribute refocuses attention on CBS's plan to retire the franchise for financial reasons, with debate over political influence still lingering.

Overview

  • On March 5, Jimmy Fallon made his first full sit-down visit to The Late Show, presenting Stephen Colbert with a commissioned painting of Colbert and his dog Benny.
  • Fallon performed a customized rendition of Frank Sinatra's “My Way,” including lines about President Trump wanting Colbert off the air and a quip that late night is now down to “two Jimmys,” before the pair stood on Colbert’s desk for a hug.
  • The show later posted extended and behind-the-scenes video featuring a spontaneous national anthem bit, dueling Johnny Carson impressions, and jokes about the Ed Sullivan Theater becoming a Spirit Halloween and a mock “Kid Rock–My Pillow Guy NewsHour.”
  • CBS has set The Late Show’s final episode for May 21, 2026 and maintains the decision to retire the franchise is purely financial and unrelated to performance or content.
  • Coverage continues to note public theories about political or corporate influence, citing a reported $16 million Paramount settlement with Trump and his celebratory Truth Social post after the cancellation.