What To Know
- Jimmy Kimmel reminded his viewers that his show will not air on May 21 in support of Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show episode.
- He urged his fans to tune into Colbert’s last show, but to never watch CBS again after that.
- Kimmel has expressed frustration with CBS for canceling The Late Show, blaming the Trump administration for the decision.
Jimmy Kimmel had nothing but praise for Stephen Colbert ahead of his competitor’s final episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. On the May 20 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel reminded his viewers that his show would be going dark on May 21 in support of The Late Show‘s series finale.
“We will be off tomorrow night out of respect for our colleague and friend Stephen Colbert and the writers, producers, staff, and crew at The Late Show, whose finale show on CBS airs opposite ours,” Kimmel said in his monologue. “I think you know how I feel about the fact that they are being pushed out. I hope the people who did the pushing feel ashamed of themselves tonight, although they probably won’t.”
While the network has claimed financial reasons are the reason for The Late Show ending, it’s widely believed that Donald Trump‘s administration is to blame, as news of Colbert’s cancellation came right after Paramount (CBS’s parent company) reached a $16 million settlement with the president after he filed a lawsuit against them.
“That being said, it’s most important to congratulate Stephen and all of those at The Late Show for all their work over the last five years, and all the great work you will continue to do in other venues,” Kimmel continued. “I have no doubt. Everyone at that show has always been very gracious to us. We never felt like we were competing against them.”
Kimmel added that his relationship with Colbert was “nothing like the old days of late night,” adding, “I loved being on Stephen’s show, I loved having him here on ours. I hope we’re able to do that again. I hope he comes to visit as many times as possible. On behalf of everyone on our show, we want to say to everyone on your show, it’s a pleasure to work beside you.”
He also made sure to note that he’ll be tuning into Colbert’s final episode, and concluded with a final dig at CBS for the cancellation. “I hope those of you who watch our show will also tune into CBS for the last time,” Kimmel said. “Don’t ever watch it again, but watch tomorrow night to show Stephen and our friends at The Late Show a fun farewell. Now, let’s talk about the a**hole who forced them off the air.”
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Final Episode, Thursday, May 21, 11:35/10:35c, CBS
Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Weekdays, 11:35/10:35c, ABC