He made us laugh and he never flinched': America says goodbye to The Late Show and Stephen Colbert

The Late Show ended with Stephen Colbert hosting his final episode after more than 1,800 broadcasts. The program began in 1993 and was cancelled by CBS last year, with financial reasons cited while many linked the decision to the network’s relationship with Donald Trump. Colbert delivered an emotional farewell to viewers and was joined by celebrity guests including Paul McCartney, Paul Rudd, Ryan Reynolds, and Bryan Cranston. Colbert later called the cancellation a huge mistake, saying it would remove a valuable perspective important to American culture. Joe Biden and other celebrities posted tributes praising Colbert’s ability to make people think and laugh, and his willingness to confront suppression of dissent.

"We love doing the show for you but what we really love is doing the show with you, he said to the audience at home."

"I think we're losing a valuable perspective, he said. I think it's very, very important to the American culture."

"There aren't many who can make people think and laugh at the same time, he wrote. For years, Stephen brought wit, heart, and honesty to late night television. America could always count on a laugh and sometimes a needed reality check. Congrats on an incredible run, my friend."

"He made us laugh and he never flinched, the Oscar-winning actor said. We've watched this administration suppress dissent repeatedly. Stephen Colbert during the final episode."

Read at www.theguardian.com