Stephen Colbert may have signed off from “The Late Show” with one final joke, but it turns out the gag came with real-world consequences for CBS.
Nearly a month after the comedian playfully suggested that a musical stunt during his show’s finale could cost the network money, a licensing agreement has now been confirmed.
The situation, which began as a tongue-in-cheek moment involving one of television’s most recognizable tunes, ultimately led CBS to strike a deal with the company that controls the rights to the beloved music.
During the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 21, the longtime host appeared to knowingly flirt with copyright trouble while discussing legal disputes surrounding music from the classic “Charlie Brown” television specials.
The segment focused on recent enforcement efforts involving the “Peanuts” franchise and the iconic music composed by Vince Guaraldi.
As Colbert spoke about lawsuits tied to unauthorized use of the music, he reminded viewers that the rights holders take the matter seriously.
“Peanuts is a powerful brand and corporation in and of itself. Anyone illegally using that music is going to have to pay through the nose,” Colbert said during the broadcast.
The warning set up what would become one of the show’s final comedic moments.
Colbert Called Out His Own Band Mid-Segment
As Stephen Colbert continued speaking, bandleader Louis Cato and “The Late Show” house band, the Great Big Joy Machine, began playing Guaraldi’s instantly recognizable “Linus and Lucy” theme in the background.
The host immediately drew attention to the music, pretending to realize what was happening in real time.
“Louis, Louis! Is the band right now playing the same Peanuts music I just said people were being sued for, for using without permission? Is that what you’re doing?” he asked.
Moments later, Colbert delivered the joke that would later prove surprisingly prophetic. “Oh no, I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!” he joked.
At the time, the line appeared to be just another playful jab during his farewell episode.
Weeks later, however, it became clear there was more truth behind the joke than viewers realized.
Stephen Colbert’s Musical Bit Led To A Licensing Agreement
According to the Daily Mail, Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc., the company that oversees Vince Guaraldi’s musical catalog, has now confirmed that CBS entered into a licensing agreement covering the use of “Linus and Lucy” during the finale.
According to the company, the performance required formal licensing approval after the episode aired. While the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the arrangement officially resolved the use of the famous Peanuts tune featured during the broadcast.
The licensing agreement also produced an unexpected charitable benefit. Lee Mendelson Film Productions announced that all proceeds generated through the CBS licensing deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés.
The organization is known for providing meals to communities affected by humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and conflicts worldwide.
The donation carries additional significance because World Central Kitchen had already played a role in the final days of Colbert’s program.
During the penultimate episode of “The Late Show,” Colbert and the show presented a $2.5 million donation to the organization and Andrés.
Stephen Colbert’s Final CBS Gag Earns Praise From Rights Holders
Rather than expressing frustration over the unauthorized use of the music, Lee Mendelson Film Productions embraced both the humor and the outcome.
Jason Mendelson, the company’s chairman, praised the segment while explaining the broader purpose of the organization’s enforcement efforts.
“LMFP found the music’s use on The Late Show funny and entertaining, and is proud to support World Central Kitchen’s mission,” Mendelson said in a statement.
He also emphasized that protecting the music remains an important part of the company’s work.
According to him, “A principal goal of our enforcement actions is to educate individuals, businesses, and government entities about the need to obtain written license agreements to use music in a commercial setting.”
Colbert Takes Aim At CBS During Surprise Hosting Return
Last month, Stephen Colbert made an unexpected return to television less than a day after ending his 11-year run on CBS’ “The Late Show,” stepping in as guest host of Michigan public-access program “Only in Monroe.”
As The Blast reported, the comedian used the appearance to poke fun at his former network, joking, “It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount.”
Colbert also mocked CBS’ approach to streaming, telling viewers they could watch online through technology and adding, “which I promised not to learn about while I was on CBS. And evidently CBS also decided not to learn about it.”
Ultimately, the surprise hosting stint became a talking point among fans, as it also featured appearances by Jeff Daniels, Jack White, Steve Buscemi, Eminem, and Byron Allen.
