CBS Will Pay for Unauthorized Use of ‘Linus and Lucy’ in ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Finale; Proceeds to be Donated to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen

By Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider

Variety Editor at Large

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CBS has struck a deal to pay Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc., an undisclosed amount after “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” used the famed Vince Guaraldi composition “Linus and Lucy” in the late night talk show’s May finale. As part of the licensing agreement, Lee Mendelson Film Prods. will donate those proceeds to Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen.

In a segment of the May 21 finale, Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine performed “Linus and Lucy” while Mr. Colbert discussed how Lee Mendelson Film Prods. has been enforcing its copyrights for the Guaraldi song catalog. On the episode, as Cato and the band performed the song, Colbert joked, “Oh no! I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!”

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