Jimmy Kimmel Speaks Out on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Exit: ‘Those Who Pushed Out Should Be Ashamed’

Jimmy Kimmel has delivered a heartfelt farewell and strong message as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs its final episode on Thursday, May 21. The 58-year-old host revealed he will go dark on ABC during the same time slot out of respect for Colbert, 62, and his team, showing solidarity with the CBS staple.

During his May 20 monologue, Kimmel reflected on the decision to remove Colbert from the air, saying: “I hope the people who did the pushing feel ashamed of themselves tonight, although I know they probably won’t.” He continued, congratulating Colbert and his staff for their decades of exceptional work and praised the professional camaraderie he experienced while appearing on Colbert’s show.

Kimmel explained his temporary hiatus from his own show, stating, “I will be watching tomorrow night. I hope those who watch our show will also tune in to CBS for the last time. Don’t ever watch it again—but watch tomorrow night to wish Stephen and our friends at The Late Show a fond farewell.”

The ABC host also addressed the controversy surrounding the circumstances of Colbert’s exit, joking about the decision-makers and the network, referencing the challenges imposed by politics and corporate decisions at Paramount. He acknowledged the network’s cautious approach given past tensions and mergers impacting the entertainment landscape.

Colbert, who announced his show’s cancellation in July 2025, faced a financial and corporate backdrop following his outspoken critique of Paramount over a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump. Despite this, Kimmel emphasized respect and admiration for Colbert’s achievements, noting the importance of celebrating his legacy.

In his final episode, Colbert’s reflections focused on providing comfort and laughter to viewers. He expressed his hope that audiences would enjoy a simple yet meaningful farewell: “I hope they laughed. I hope they felt better at the end of the day. I mean, that’s it. We’re the last thing you see. A lot of things happen in a day, but we bat last, and we get the last take people hear before they go to bed. I hope it made their day better.”

ABC, meanwhile, has chosen to air a repeat episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in solidarity, and NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon also opted for a rerun that night. Kimmel has previously supported Colbert, even promoting Emmy voting for the show in 2025 with a Los Angeles billboard.

As The Late Show concludes, industry insiders and fans alike reflect on Colbert’s enduring impact on late-night television, while Kimmel’s message underscores the personal and professional respect shared between late-night hosts.