Colbert's Final Score: CBS Pays Up for Unlicensed Peanuts Music

Stephen Colbert really stuck it to CBS one last time. Following his exit from The Late Show, the network was left to pay a fine for unlicensed Charlie Brown music, a move Colbert orchestrated as a cheeky final jab.

During his last show, Colbert's "Meanwhile" segment discussed a lawsuit over the iconic Peanuts music catalog, famously composed by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. The Late Show's bandleader, Louis Cato, promptly began playing the beloved "Linus and Lucy" theme. Colbert, ever the provocateur, then deadpanned, "Oh no, I hope this doesn't cost CBS any money!" The quip was a direct dig at the network's stated reason for canceling his show: saving money.

It turns out Colbert's sarcastic wish came true. Lee Mendelson Film Productions, owners of the Peanuts music rights, confirmed CBS paid a fine. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, the funds were donated to World Central Kitchen. This isn't WCK's first partnership with Colbert; The Late Show had already contributed $2.5 million to the global disaster relief organization. A mischievous finale with a philanthropic twist? That's pure Colbert.