Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel recently delivered a poignant message to his audience regarding the conclusion of his friend and professional counterpart Stephen Colbert's tenure on 'The Late Show.' Kimmel’s remarks conveyed both admiration for Colbert's work and a sharp critique of CBS's decision-making.

Kimmel Urges Viewers to Tune In for Colbert's Finale, Then Boycott CBS

On May 21, 2026, during his 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' broadcast, Jimmy Kimmel urged his loyal viewers to watch Stephen Colbert's final 'Late Show' episode on CBS, which aired that same evening. However, the unexpected twist in his recommendation was a direct appeal to then "never watch CBS again." Kimmel, expressing profound respect for Colbert and his dedicated team, stated that his own show would not air a new episode that night out of deference to 'The Late Show' finale. He openly criticized the network for seemingly "pushing out" Colbert, hoping that those responsible would feel a sense of regret, though he acknowledged that might be unlikely. Kimmel lauded Colbert's 11 years of exceptional work and predicted continued success for him and his team in future endeavors. He fondly recalled their amicable rivalry, emphasizing that it was unlike the cutthroat competition of earlier late-night eras, and expressed a desire for future collaborations. His impassioned message concluded with a strong recommendation for viewers to make Colbert's farewell their final engagement with CBS programming. This directive comes as CBS prepares to replace 'The Late Show' with Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed,' a move Kimmel had previously lampooned at a TV industry event, highlighting the cost-cutting nature of the decision. Colbert, who has hosted 'The Late Show' since 2015, had welcomed other prominent late-night hosts to his show earlier in the month, and in an exit interview, expressed gratitude for his long run but concern for his staff following the unexpected cancellation.

Kimmel's bold stance underscores the strong bonds within the late-night comedy community, even among competitors, and reveals a deep disappointment with network executives' decisions. His public endorsement of Colbert and call for a viewership boycott against CBS highlights the personal and professional solidarity that can transcend corporate rivalries. This event serves as a reminder of the power of public figures to influence audience behavior and spark conversations about the values and priorities of television networks.