Stephen Colbert weighs in on replacing CBS’ ‘Late Show’ slot
Stephen Colbert congratulated Byron Allen after CBS announced the comic would take over the 11:35 p.m. slot on “The Late Show.”
Jimmy Kimmel is trying to keep Stephen Colbert in the spotlight as CBS’ “The Late Show” comes to an end.
The late-night comedian plans to show respect for Colbert by not airing new episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Colbert’s final “Late Show” took place on Thursday, May 21, USA TODAY has learned.
The news was first reported by LateNighter. Kimmel told the outlet that he would not appear on that night’s broadcast out of respect for Colbert. The comic is otherwise not on hiatus from “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” That week, as new episodes are still scheduled for May 18th through May 20th on ABC.
Kimmel made a similar decision in 2015, deciding not to air new episodes opposite David Letterman’s final “Late Show” on CBS. “I have so much respect for Dave that nothing can distract viewers from watching his last show,” Kimmel told The New York Times. “And you’ll probably be crying all day, which will make your work harder.”
Perhaps the same is true for Kimmel as his friend Colbert prepares to exit “The Late Show.” CBS canceled the long-running late-night show in July, citing financial pressures.
Kimmel will also appear on “The Late Show” on May 11, along with fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver. In 2023, the comedians all came together to host the podcast Strike Force Five while their shows were shut down due to the writers’ strike.
Kimmel and Colbert have expressed admiration and respect for each other over the years, even appearing as guests on each other’s shows.
In September, Kimmel stopped by “The Late Show” to share the story of how he was suspended for comments he made after Charlie Kirk’s murder. The same day, Colbert appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and told his story about learning that “The Late Show” had been canceled.
“We met a little over two weeks ago, and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than when I missed out on the Emmys,” Kimmel told Colbert. Colbert’s “Late Show” won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Series in September.
Kimmel also told Colbert that she was “absolutely shocked” when she learned that “The Late Show” was being canceled, adding, “That’s not right.”
For his part, Colbert told Kimmel he was “very happy” to be on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Broadcasting has resumed after a short period of suspension.
“To know you well means to respect you deeply,” Colbert said, adding, “We’ve known each other for over 20 years, but it’s only been in the last few years that we’ve really gotten to know each other, and I’ve gotten to know you better.” Because the more I know you, the more I respect you. And what I didn’t know is that you’re an interesting person!
Colbert’s last two weeks of broadcasts will also include a May 14 appearance by Letterman, who hosted “The Late Show” before Colbert took over in 2015. Letterman has been a vocal critic of CBS’ decision to cancel the show.
