Jimmy Kimmel Criticizes CBS Over Colbert’s Show Cancellation
Jimmy Kimmel expressed his frustration with CBS after the network decided to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which is set to end in May 2026 due to “purely financial decisions.”
The history of CBS’s late-night programming traces back to 1993 when David Letterman left NBC to host “Late Show with David Letterman.” After Letterman’s departure in 2015, Colbert took over the reins—having already gained acclaim through his work on “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.”
Colbert revealed that he learned of the cancellation on Wednesday night but handled the announcement during his Thursday taping at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Addressing the audience, he acknowledged the end of his show, saying, “Next year will be our last season.”
He reassured the audience that CBS was fully ending the “Late Show” franchise, emphasizing his appreciation for the network—calling it “Tiffany Network”—and reflecting on his time in the role. Colbert stated, “I’m deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here,” and reaffirmed the joy he felt performing his show.
While recognizing the end of his show, he hoped for a potential successor: “I hope someone else will take over.” Colbert expressed enthusiasm for continuing with his team for another ten months.
Kimmel and Colbert share a friendly relationship, both represented by agent James “Baby Doll” Dixon. Kimmel previously mentioned this connection during an appearance on Colbert’s show in 2015, commenting on the public’s expectation of rivalry between the two, a sentiment seemingly rooted in the history of late-night television dramas.
Both hosts have appeared together on numerous occasions, including at the 2019 Emmy Awards, solidifying their friendship. In 2023, they collaborated on a limited series podcast called “Strike Force 5,” along with fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver.
John Batiste, who served as the band’s leader on “The Late Show” from 2015 to 2022, also expressed his disappointment over the cancellation. He shared a heartbroken emoji symbolizing his feelings toward Colbert’s departure.
Despite consistently receiving high ratings, Colbert has now recorded nearly 1,700 episodes in his nearly ten seasons—showing that his impact on late-night television was significant. Recent Nielsen data indicates Colbert has maintained a strong viewership, winning his timeslot with around 24.17 million viewers over 41 new episodes.
