Paul McCartney Helps Stephen Colbert End ‘Late Show’

Sir Paul McCartney joined Stephen Colbert for an emotional farewell as “The Late Show” aired its final episode after more than three decades on CBS.

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The programme ended Thursday night with McCartney performing Hello Goodbye alongside Colbert, who sang backing vocals during the performance. Musicians Elvis Costello and Jon Batiste, along with members of the show’s staff, also took part in the closing number.

A Return to a Historic Stage

The finale also marked a return to a venue closely linked to McCartney’s career. The theatre that hosted “The Late Show” was also home to The Ed Sullivan Show, where The Beatles made one of their first US television appearances in 1964.

During the interview segment, Colbert asked McCartney whether the theatre still brought back memories of Beatlemania.

“When you close your eyes, do you hear the girls screaming?” Colbert asked, prompting loud cheers from audience members.

“Yeah,” McCartney replied

Asked how often that still happens, the former Beatle answered: “Often.”

McCartney also recalled the band wearing heavy television makeup during their Sullivan appearance, describing it as “bright orange”.

“That’s very popular in certain circles these days,” Colbert joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

Reflections on America and the Beatles Film

McCartney spoke about how the Beatles once viewed the United States as “the land of the free” and “the greatest democracy”.

“That was what it was,” he said. “It still is, hopefully.”

The musician also discussed the forthcoming Beatles biopic project and praised Paul Mescal, who is set to portray him on screen.

When Colbert asked who was “cuter” — a young McCartney or Mescal — the singer replied: “Me,” before adding that the actor was “very cute”.

The End of ‘The Late Show’

CBS announced in July 2025 that it would end “The Late Show” franchise, describing the move as a financial decision made during a difficult period for late-night television. The show first launched in 1993 with David Letterman as host before Colbert took over in 2015.

Earlier in the finale, Colbert, Costello and Batiste performed Costello’s lesser-known song Jump Up.

As “Hello Goodbye” came to an end, Colbert walked to the studio light switch and invited McCartney to join him. Together, they switched off the lights, plunging the theatre into darkness.

The closing sequence then shifted into a surreal scene in which the building appeared inside a snow globe being sniffed by a dog. Colbert’s voice could be heard saying, “C’mon Benny, let’s go,” before the programme ended.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 May 2026