Jimmy Kimmel expressed strong displeasure towards CBS following their decision to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” this past week.
In response to the network’s characterization of their decision during the Paramount-Skydance merger as solely financial, Kimmel has spoken out strongly and critically against CBS in a public statement.
On Instagram Stories, Jimmy Kimmel, who hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Disney ABC, posted a clip not long after Colbert’s heartfelt television declaration, where he shared the news with the audience.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve got to express my affection for Stephen – it’s clear he’s a talented individual. However, I can’t help but feel frustrated with CBS and their focus on shows like The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. It seems like they could be investing more in other creative projects that might offer something fresh and exciting to viewers like me.
Rapidly spreading was the stark statement, gaining traction as notable figures such as Adam Scott, Judd Apatow, and Katie Couric expressed their backing of Colbert, simultaneously boosting Kimmel’s growing discontent.
The pushback occurs while there’s conjecture suggesting that the cancellation may not just be about financial matters. Critics hint at Stephen Colbert’s often pointed remarks towards political personalities, such as President Donald Trump, as a possible reason behind it.
In the days leading up to the announcement, Colbert had openly criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount, for their settlement with Trump, labeling it as a “bribe” on air. Many liberal voices within the industry view this as an ominous indication of potential shifts in late-night TV, particularly under the influence of new corporate pressures.
Expressing his opinion on the matter, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform, sharing a post celebrating the imminent departure of Stephen Colbert. In this post, he boasted, “I’m thrilled that Colbert was let go. His abilities paled in comparison to his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next on the chopping block. He has even less talent than Colbert!
Trump took aim at NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, labeling him as ‘foolish’, and hinted that the whole late-night schedule might be in trouble.
Kimmel’s future in late-night television, which he himself has suggested may be nearing its end due to his existing contract with Disney-owned ABC expiring in 2026, presents an amusing twist to his vocal support for Colbert. The humorist has often hinted that this could be his final stint in late-night TV.
In a February 2024 interview, Kimmel expressed that his current contract might be his last, hinting at possible retirement due to decreasing viewership across the industry. He further emphasized this during later conversations, acknowledging the evolving nature of television as streaming services tend to draw audiences away from traditional networks.
Despite these hints, Kimmel has no immediate plans announced beyond his current deal.
Discussions frequently revolve around the ratings during these recent developments. Notably, The Late Show continues to dominate in terms of total viewers, boasting an average of 2.42 million viewers in Q2 2025. However, Jimmy Kimmel’s show lags slightly behind with approximately 1.77 million average viewers.
On occasion, Kimmel surpasses Colbert in the crucial 18-49 demographic that advertisers value highly. Trump’s remark about their talent being inferior to their ratings highlights a harsh truth: viewership for late-night shows has significantly decreased across the industry. Even top programs such as Colbert’s are only attracting a small fraction of their past, larger audiences.
The final episode of “The Late Show” signifies the conclusion of a significant phase for CBS, as they have been providing late-night programming at the Ed Sullivan Theater since 1993. One source described the decision to end it as a difficult one due to the show’s rich history and cultural impact. However, with media conglomerates undergoing mergers and political tensions escalating, the fate of provocative late-night satire remains uncertain.
Kimmel’s explicit outburst could spark a broader debate on artistic liberty, business dominance, and the sustainability of late-night television in our fractured entertainment industry. Additionally, it brings up concerns about corporations being able to financially evaluate success without facing political scrutiny.
More conservative perspectives view this cancellation of Colbert’s show as a strictly budgetary decision, considering its declining ratings and substantial production expenses.
Or: Conservative opinions suggest that cancelling Colbert was solely about money due to the show’s low ratings and high costs.
Or even simpler: Conservatives believe canceling Colbert was only about finances because of his poor ratings and expensive production.
With Trump suggesting further cancellations might be imminent, hosts such as Kimmel and Fallon are likely keeping a keen eye – maybe even contemplating their own departures to stay ahead of any potential dismissals.
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2025-07-18 22:56