Stephen Colbert's Final Late Show Episode Opens with Casual Monologue

Stephen Colbert has opened his final episode of The Late Show with a more casual monologue than his usual introduction, leaning on his desk as he spoke to the studio audience.

The late-night host spoke directly to the audience about the amount of joy his 11-year tenure in the Ed Sullivan Theater has brought not just him but everyone who has worked on the show.

"This show, I want you to know, has been a joy for us to do for you," he said.

He also referenced his previous comedy persona — the fictional conservative cable host of the same name, from his days on Comedy Central — and spoke about how his time helming CBS's flagship late-night franchise had been different.

"On night one of The Colbert Report back in the day, I said anyone can read the news to you. I promised to feel the news at you," he said.

"And I realised pretty soon in this job, that our job over here was different.

Amid speculation as to the identity of his final guest — with Pope Leo XIV often mentioned as his ideal interviewee — a number of high-profile celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds and Tig Notaro, took part in the first sketch, jokingly assuming they would be the last to sit on Colbert's couch.

The final guest will be revealed shortly.