Paul McCartney provided a quietly historic capstone to Stephen Colbert’s run on The Late Show by closing the final episode with a performance of The Beatles’ 'Hello Goodbye' in the Ed Sullivan Theater. Appearing as both the closing interview guest and the night’s final musical act, McCartney turned the moment into a gentle, full-circle echo of his own past.

The rendition brought together Stephen Colbert, Elvis Costello, Jon Batiste, and bandleader Louis Cato, with a lively ensemble energy that filled the stage. A dancing line of staff circled the performers as the house band layered a New Orleans-style rhythm beneath the familiar melody. The performance balanced celebration with a sense of quiet closure.

As the song built toward its final moments, the symbolism deepened. McCartney was invited backstage to flip the theater’s breaker switch, visually marking the end of Colbert’s tenure. The gesture carried added resonance given The Beatles’ historic connection to the venue.

That closing act tied past and present into a single image. It reflected how the theater has evolved while still carrying the weight of its cultural history. For Colbert, the choice of 'Hello Goodbye' offered a soft, reflective sendoff rather than a grand, dramatic exit.

That sense of transition now extends beyond the stage and into what comes next for Colbert.

A new chapter begins with creative risks and open possibilities for Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert’s departure from The Late Show leaves his next move open but already taking shape. One confirmed project is a new Lord of the Rings film he is co-writing with his son, Peter McGee, for Warner Bros. The story draws from early sections of The Fellowship of the Ring that were not fully explored in earlier adaptations.

The project reflects a shift toward long-form storytelling. It suggests Colbert is interested in collaborative creative work rather than immediately returning to a nightly hosting format. The idea had been in development even before the decision to end the show.

Beyond that, Colbert has expressed interest in continuing within television while avoiding a direct return to the same role. He has ruled out a traditional stand-up tour, noting his preference for ensemble-driven performance rooted in his improv background. He has also dismissed speculation about entering politics, keeping his focus on storytelling and media projects like the CNN documentary The Last Laugh: Stephen Colbert.

What do you think about Paul McCartney closing The Late Show with 'Hello Goodbye' and Stephen Colbert’s next creative chapter? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Itti Mahajan