Jimmy Kimmel invites Stephen Colbert to guest-host ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ amid summer hiatus

Jimmy Kimmel has invited former Late Show host Stephen Colbert to step into the guest-hosting chair at Jimmy Kimmel Live during his summer hiatus. The move signals ongoing solidarity between the two hosts after CBS canceled Colbert’s program in May. That decision drew intense backlash, as many observers viewed the network’s move as a politically motivated effort to appease critics and streamline a corporate merger with Skydance.

While the cancellation was officially labeled a financial decision by CBS executives, the industry remains skeptical of that explanation. Kimmel has been vocal about his frustration regarding the state of late-night television, stating that the environment has become poisoned. He has used his platform to consistently call out network decisions that seem intended to silence hosts who are critical of political figures like Donald Trump.

Kimmel confirmed that while he did reach out to Colbert with an invitation to host, the timing felt premature for his colleague. However, Kimmel clarified that the standing offer remains open. He told Variety that he is more than willing to step aside for Colbert whenever he decides he is ready to return to the desk.

This incident follows broader industry concerns about the future of traditional late-night talk shows. With David Letterman also weighing in on the situation, the late-night community is grappling with shifts in corporate ownership and network programming strategies. As Kimmel prepares for his time off, he continues to open his stage to various guest hosts, including Rosie O’Donnell who is scheduled to appear in mid-August.