Bruce Springsteen’s Passionate Performance Marks Second-to-Last Episode of Colbert’s Late Show
Bruce Springsteen appeared on Wednesday’s penultimate episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, performing “Streets of Minneapolis.” The Late Show concludes Thursday night, with Eric Deggans sharing his thoughts on the last episodes.
During these final episodes, Colbert has mostly avoided expressing anger or insults over CBS’s surprise cancellation of the show. However, Springsteen’s performance broke through this reserve. He delivered a pointed critique before performing his powerful anti-ICE anthem, “Streets of Minneapolis.”
“You’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke.”
Springsteen’s remarks targeted David Ellison, CEO of CBS’s parent company Paramount, and his father, Larry Ellison, a Trump ally. CBS claimed the cancellation was purely financial. Springsteen, playing solo with acoustic guitar and harmonica, criticized their small-mindedness. His lyrics referenced “King Trump’s private army” and “Trump’s federal thugs,” contrasting sharply with the rest of the episode’s light-hearted celebrity interactions.
The episode featured cameos from John Dickerson, Billy Crystal, Josh Brolin, Tiffany Haddish, Aubrey Plaza, and Colbert’s wife, Evie McGee Colbert. They asked entertaining questions, but the editing felt rushed, leaving little room for meaningful interactions. Ben Stiller humorously requested a more engaging answer.
Emotion surfaced earlier when Colbert announced a donation of over $2.4 million to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen. This prompted chef Andrés to praise, “People of America… he is the best of us.” Colbert’s monologue included humorous jabs at Trump’s cellphone antics, yet he seemed to hold back throughout the week.
The finale offers hope for Colbert to help his audience process emotions, allowing them to express their frustration and sadness over his departure.
On Tuesday’s episode, Colbert’s former boss, Jon Stewart, appeared, reflecting on the nearly 30-year history since they worked together. They shared common ground, both having faced show cancellations by Paramount. Stewart quoted David Letterman in advising not to equate cancellation with failure, though it felt like one.
R&B singer Andra Day serenaded Colbert and Stewart with “Rise Up,” while David Byrne offered a lively rendition of “Burning Down the House.” Colbert joined the musicians, embracing the moment with joyful abandon.
Monday’s episode bucked tradition by showcasing the “best of the worst of” comedy bits. The show invited the staff to the Ed Sullivan Theater for a display of unaired sketches, including a fake ad for “erotic body gravy” and a Graphics Graveyard bit predicting Hillary Clinton’s presidency.
Brian Stack performed a Kid Rock parody as Shrieking Joe, notorious for causing ratings drops. Paul Shaffer joined Colbert for a fish-themed parody of “It’s Raining Men,” rejected multiple times since 2011. The camaraderie among the staff was evident but lacked celebratory moments for fans.
Colbert’s effort to avoid anger or nostalgia shaped the week’s tone. The fanbase hopes the remaining episodes will celebrate one of late night’s best satirists.