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Oprah Winfrey joins Stephen Colbert for emotional Late Show farewell moment

Published on April 9, 2026

Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Colbert shared an emotional on-air moment during a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, as the long-running program approaches its final weeks.

During her appearance, Winfrey surprised the audience by sitting in Colbert’s chair and thanking him for his years as host. “Thank you for holding the space for laughter,” she said, prompting the audience to chant “Stephen” in a show of support. The heartfelt exchange comes as the show prepares to end its run in May, following its cancellation by CBS in 2025.

The two media icons briefly swapped roles, with Winfrey playfully interviewing Colbert. When asked if he was ready to let go, Colbert admitted he was not. “I still have a white-knuckle grip on all these people who I love,” he said, referencing his team and longtime collaborators.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of live audiences in television. Winfrey recalled starting her early show with just a handful of audience members, emphasizing their role as a “mirror” for hosts. Colbert echoed the sentiment, explaining that an audience helps him express his true thoughts more openly.

As the finale approaches, tributes from guests and fans continue to pour in for Colbert, whose tenure has defined a significant era in late-night television. The final episode is set to air on May 21, marking the end of the show’s run and a major shift in CBS’s late-night lineup.

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