During 'Meanwhile' Colbert referenced lawsuits over the Peanuts tune 'Linus and Lucy' just as his band began playing the melody. He quipped that he hoped it wouldn't "cost CBS any money," a pointed aside that echoed the network's July 2025 decision to cancel the Emmy-winning show — a move CBS called a financial choice.
Colbert said his manager informed him of the cancellation while he was backstage, then filmed a message thanking audiences. He called the program 'The Joy Machine,' praised his team and urged viewers to 'have a good show' as he signed off.