Jimmy Kimmel isn’t pretending to be neutral about the end of “The Late Show.” The late-night host used his own program to defend Stephen Colbert, praise his longtime rival-turned-friend, and take a parting shot at CBS over the decision to cancel the iconic franchise.
The emotional tribute came just one night before Colbert’s final broadcast, turning what could have been a routine monologue into a public show of solidarity.
Jimmy Kimmel backs a CBS boycott after friend Stephen Colbert moves on from The Late Show
During the May 20 episode of ”Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Kimmel announced that his show would not air the following night out of respect for Colbert and the entire Late Show staff. “We will be off tomorrow night out of respect for our colleague and friend Stephen Colbert,” Kimmel said. Even extending his support to the writers, producers, and crew members whose jobs are also ending with the show.
Kimmel made it clear he disagreed with CBS’ decision to pull the plug. “I think you know how I feel about the fact that they’re being pushed out,” he told viewers. “I hope the people who did the pushing feel ashamed of themselves tonight.”
Still, most of his remarks focused on celebrating Colbert’s 11-year run. Kimmel noted, “We never felt like we were competing against them,” he said. “I always loved being on Stephen’s show; I loved having him on ours.”
Then came the line that immediately set social media buzzing. “I hope that those of you who watch our show will also tune in to CBS for the last time,” Kimmel joked. “Don’t ever watch it again.”
As per US Magazine, CBS has maintained that ending “The Late Show” was strictly a financial decision and unrelated to ratings, content, or corporate matters involving parent company Paramount. Some viewers, however, questioned the timing after Colbert publicly criticized Paramount’s settlement of a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump.
For his part, Colbert recently acknowledged why some fans remain skeptical, while also saying he had no desire to end his relationship with CBS on a bitter note.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK CBS MADE THE RIGHT DECISION TO END THE LATE SHOW, OR SHOULD STEPHEN COLBERT HAVE BEEN GIVEN MORE TIME?
