Stephen Colbert's final stretch on "The Late Show" has taken on an unexpectedly affectionate tone. The late-night host planted kisses on both Pedro Pascal and Julia Louis-Dreyfus during recent tapings, continuing a kiss-filled victory lap that began when he smooched Jimmy Fallon the day before.
The smoochfest signals Colbert's farewell tour as CBS prepares to end "The Late Show" after his eight-year run. The host has positioned these final episodes as a celebration of his time on air, inviting major television and film talent to cap off his tenure. Pascal and Louis-Dreyfus represent the caliber of guest Colbert has attracted to his closing chapter. Louis-Dreyfus, a comedic legend from "Seinfeld" and "Veep," and Pascal, the star of "The Last of Us" and "Narcos," embody the show's ability to draw A-list entertainment figures.
The kisses have become part of Colbert's sendoff narrative, transforming typical promotional interviews into memorable moments of genuine affection and gratitude. Rather than conducting business as usual, Colbert appears intent on making these final weeks distinctive. The intimacy of the gesture reflects the personal connection he has built with guests over nearly a decade of nightly interviews.
This farewell approach contrasts sharply with typical late-night transitions. Where many hosts have exited quietly or moved to other networks, Colbert is leaning into the emotional texture of his departure. Each kiss functions as both a punctuation mark and a testimonial to the relationships forged through late-night television.
"The Late Show" will end its run on May 23, 2025, marking the conclusion of a significant era in late-night programming. Colbert's replacement has not yet been announced, but his final episodes appear destined to become collector's items for television historians tracking the evolution of the format.