Stephen Colbert's final 'Late Show' airs Thursday. Here’s how other great late-night hosts said their goodbyes.

Johnny Carson, Stephen Colbert and David Letterman.
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From Carson to Conan, here’s how some of late-night television’s greatest stars signed off for the last time.

The final episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday is bound to be full of memorable moments. Exactly what those moments might be is impossible to say— details have not been announced — but there’s a long history of late-night hosts leaving an unforgettable impression as they sign off for the last time.

Late-night finales often feature a flurry of superstar guests, extended montages of clips and touching musical moments. But they often end with the host speaking directly to the audience, tears in their eyes, thanking everyone at home for the opportunity to be welcomed into their living rooms night after night, year after year.

By Mike Bebernes,

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