CBS Pays to Settle Unauthorized ‘Linus and Lucy’ in Colbert Finale

The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert opened with a wink at copyright and closed with an invoice. During the broadcast, Colbert referenced a recent news story about Lee Mendelson Film Productions pursuing unauthorized uses of Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts music. Right on cue, house band Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine launched into “Linus and Lucy,” and Colbert deadpanned, “Oh no! I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!”

It did. Variety reports the network has since paid LMFP an undisclosed licensing fee for the inclusion. But the money won’t sit in a rights-holder’s account: LMFP is donating the full amount to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by chef José Andrés. The Late Show itself had previously given $2.5 million to the organization during its penultimate episode.

In a statement, LMFP chairman Jason Mendelson said the company found the music’s use “funny and entertaining,” and framed the episode as part of a broader effort. “A principal goal of our enforcement actions is to educate individuals, businesses, and government entities about the need to obtain written license agreements.” The gesture turns a legal formality into a quiet piece of late-night lore—a joke that landed, then doubled as a fundraiser.