Late-night television is about to lose one of its biggest voices, and many fans still aren’t ready for it. After Thursday night, Stephen Colbert will officially be gone, leaving viewers wondering what the genre looks like without him. No current host seems angrier about that reality than Jimmy Kimmel, who offered up some advice about a post-Late Show world.
During Wednesday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute to Colbert and the staff of The Late Show ahead of Thursday’s series finale. But while Colbert has largely avoided publicly attacking CBS over the decision to end the franchise, Kimmel continues to make his feelings crystal clear.
Kimmel reminded his audience that he's taking the show off the air tomorrow out of respect for Colbert. As he did for David Letterman's final Late Show episode, Kimmel does not want to compete or draw attention away from his late-night friend.
Then, Kimmel turned up the heat on CBS and Paramount. “I think you know how I feel about the fact that they’re being pushed out,” he continued. “I hope the people who did the pushing feel ashamed of themselves tonight — although I know they probably won’t.”
That frustration has become a recurring theme for Kimmel ever since CBS announced that The Late Show would end after Colbert’s premature departure. While Colbert has mostly taken the high road publicly, Kimmel has repeatedly suggested the decision was bigger than ratings or finances.
With that in mind, Kimmel gave his viewers some advice on what to do after Thursday. “I will be watching tomorrow night. I hope that those of you who watch our show will also tune in to CBS for the last time,” Kimmel said. “Don’t ever watch it again. But watch tomorrow night to wish Stephen a fond farewell.”
Kimmel’s anger likely comes from more than friendship alone. Over the years, the ABC host has frequently found himself at the center of political backlash for his monologues, particularly during the Trump era. That experience may explain why Kimmel appears to view Colbert’s exit as more than just another programming or budget decision.
On the other hand, Colbert has approached the situation very differently. Aside from a few monologue jabs, he has avoided openly criticizing CBS or Paramount. Instead, he has spent his final weeks celebrating the show’s legacy and keeping the focus on the people who made it successful.
Kimmel made sure to praise Colbert and the Late Show staff in a similar fashion on Wednesday night. But like a good friend (and late-night host with nothing to lose), Kimmel said out loud what many fans feel but what Colbert himself has chosen not to.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs its final episode on Thursday, May 21, at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns to ABC next week.
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