LMFP Licenses 'Linus and Lucy' for Colbert Finale to Benefit WCK

The May 21, 2026, finale utilized the track during a performance by Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine. During the segment, Stephen Colbert acknowledged the production company's recent efforts to enforce copyright protections for the Guaraldi catalog. Proceeds from the agreement are being directed to World Central Kitchen, supplementing a $2.5 million donation presented to founder José Andrés on the previous evening's program.

Jason Mendelson, Chairman of LMFP, noted that the company views the collaboration as a way to support humanitarian efforts while reinforcing the necessity of written license agreements in commercial media. This follows a string of legal filings by the firm against various entities, including the U.S. Department of the Interior and several private manufacturers, aimed at curbing unauthorized use of the composer's work. By formalizing this arrangement, the company seeks to maintain the integrity of its catalog while educating creators on intellectual property standards.