New Delhi, June 17 -- A musical gag that appeared in the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has led to a real-world licensing agreement, with CBS agreeing to pay for the use of the famed Peanuts theme 'Linus and Lucy' following its appearance during the program's farewell broadcast.

The agreement was reached between CBS and Lee Mendelson Film Productions, the company that oversees rights associated with much of the Peanuts television catalogue and the music of composer Vince Guaraldi. While the financial terms have not been disclosed, the proceeds from the deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen, the humanitarian food relief organisation founded by chef Jose Andres.

The incident stems from the series finale of The...