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

CBS reached a settlement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc. this week, agreeing to pay an undisclosed sum for the unauthorized use of Vince Guaraldi's "Linus and Lucy" during the May finale of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." The agreement resolves a copyright infringement claim filed by Lee Mendelson Film Productions. As a condition of the settlement, Lee Mendelson Film Productions will donate all proceeds received from CBS to José Andrés' World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing meals in response to humanitarian crises. The "Peanuts" theme song "Linus and Lucy" was famously featured in the "A Charlie Brown Christmas" special, which first aired in 1965. The unauthorized use occurred during the final episode of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," which concluded its run on April 26, 2024. This resolution avoids a potentially lengthy legal battle over the iconic jazz composition.