Full Breakdown
Stephen Colbert Marks Dog’s Birthday in First Instagram Post Since “Late Show” Finale
7/20/2026, 8:20:00 AM
Instagram Return Highlights Benny’s 7th Birthday
On Sunday, July 19 2026, Stephen Colbert broke a two-month social-media silence by posting a photo of his Boykin spaniel, Benny, on Instagram. The caption read, “Happy 7th Birthday, Benny,” and the image showed the dark-brown dog perched on a chair. The post was the comedian’s first public update since the May 21, 2026 final episode of *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, which concluded an 11-year run at the Ed Sullivan Theater.
Background: End of “The Late Show” After 11 Years
CBS announced in July 2025 that the franchise would end, citing financial considerations unrelated to ratings or content. Colbert addressed the news on a July 2025 taping, informing the studio audience that the upcoming season would be the last. He later delivered a farewell address during the May 2026 finale, thanking viewers and staff for a decade of collaboration.
Official Statements from Colbert
In the July 2025 announcement, Colbert expressed empathy for the audience, describing the cancellation as “the end of the show… the end of *The Late Show* on CBS” and emphasizing that he was not being replaced. During the final broadcast, he referred to the program as “The Joy Machine,” noting the collective effort required to produce a nightly show. He also highlighted the mutual energy exchange with fans, stating that their support was essential to the show’s success over the past 11 years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Happy 7th Birthday, Benny,” — Stephen Colbert, Instagram caption
- “Before we start the show I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season,” — Stephen Colbert, July 2025 taping
- “I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.” — Stephen Colbert, July 2025 taping
- “This show, I want you to know, has been a joy for us to do for you. In fact, we call this show The Joy Machine because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine.” — Stephen Colbert, final episode
- “I just want to let all y’all know in here and out there how important you’ve been to what we have done.” — Stephen Colbert, final episode
