By Gloria Ogbonna
Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes is encouraging late-night host Stephen Colbert to go out with a bang when he films the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
During a lively appearance on the program Thursday night, Sykes jokingly suggested that Colbert should make his last show unforgettable by completely “going off” and creating chaos on set.
The conversation took place during the taping of the show at the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater, where Colbert has hosted the late-night program since taking over in 2015. As the two comedians exchanged jokes, Sykes asked Colbert what he planned to do when the show finally wraps up.
“So, the last show, what are you going to do?” she asked.
Before Colbert could fully answer, Sykes offered her own dramatic suggestion.
“You’ve got to go the hell off on the last show,” she said. “Like, burn this thing down.”
The comment immediately drew laughter from the audience, prompting Colbert to respond with a playful defense of the historic theater where the show is filmed.
“This is a lovely theater,” Colbert joked, suggesting he would hate to damage the landmark venue.
Sykes quickly fired back with another quip, joking that the building might not stay the same forever.
“Yeah, I heard they’re turning it into a Walmart,” she said sarcastically, causing another round of laughter.
The playful exchange continued as Sykes insisted that Colbert’s final broadcast should be an explosive send-off.
“I mean, you always bring the fire every night,” she told him. “But that last show has to be, like, total destruction.”
Colbert, however, leaned into a calmer response, reminding Sykes of his personality and values.
“I’m a lover, not a fighter, Wanda,” he replied with a grin.
Sykes acknowledged that Colbert is known for his strong faith and often speaks about the importance of love and compassion. Still, she jokingly suggested a dramatic twist that would fit his personality.
“I know you’re a man of faith and all that,” she said. “Love is stronger than hate… so maybe your last guest should be the Pope.”
Her idea immediately amused Colbert, who played along with the joke.
“Bring on the Pope!” Sykes exclaimed enthusiastically.
Colbert then joked that he would gladly welcome the pontiff onto the show if he could manage to arrange the visit.
“Do you have a Pope connection?” he asked Sykes. “Because I need a Pope connection. I want to get Leo on here — he’s holy ghosting me.”
The host appeared to be referring humorously to Pope Leo XIV, imagining the religious leader as a surprise guest for the show’s finale.
Sykes continued the playful bit by joking that she doesn’t rely on connections when she needs help — she goes straight to the top.
“I usually go directly to God,” she said, laughing.
She then suggested that if the Pope did appear on the show, he should also participate in the wild finale she had imagined.
“I’m going to put that in my prayers tonight,” Sykes said. “That you get the Pope here.”
But she added one more comedic twist.
“When the Pope gets here,” she joked, “he’s got to go the hell off too. He’s got to burn this thing down!”
The humorous exchange comes at a time when Colbert is preparing to wrap up his long-running late-night program. In July, CBS announced that the network had decided not to renew The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for another season, describing the move as a financial decision.
The cancellation reflects broader changes in the entertainment industry as viewing habits shift in the streaming era. Traditional late-night television programs, once a dominant force in American pop culture, have seen declining ratings as younger audiences increasingly consume content through social media platforms, streaming services, and online video creators.
Last month, Colbert confirmed that the show’s final episode will air on May 21, marking the end of his nearly decade-long run as host.
Colbert first took over The Late Show in 2015, succeeding legendary late-night host David Letterman. During his tenure, the show became known for its mix of political satire, celebrity interviews, and comedic commentary on current events.
The end of the program represents a major moment in the evolution of late-night television, which has been undergoing significant changes as audiences migrate to new forms of entertainment.
Whether Colbert chooses to follow Wanda Sykes’ joking advice and deliver a fiery farewell or stick to his signature blend of humor and reflection remains to be seen. But if the conversation on Thursday night is any indication, fans can expect the final episode to be filled with laughter, surprises, and memorable moments.
Source Breitbrat
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