Celebrities, politicians and New Yorkers have paid their respects to Stephen Colbert as The Late Show aired its final episode on Thursday.

The long-running chatshow, which started back in 1993, was cancelled last year by CBS, purportedly because of a financial decision. But many believed it was a result of the network’s increasing closenesss with Donald Trump, whom Colbert regularly criticised.

Last night’s episode saw the host bid an emotional farewell with the help of celebrity guests including Paul McCartney, Paul Rudd, Ryan Reynolds and Bryan Cranston.

“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.

Truly the end of an institution. He will be missed.