Colbert’s Final Campaign
Stephen Colbert has taken a public stance that blindsided many within the industry. Months after his long-running program, The Late Show, went off the air in May 2025, the comedian returned to the public eye. In a brief video recorded on a seaside cliff, Colbert directed Emmy voters to support Jimmy Kimmel for the Outstanding Variety Series award. His own show, despite being canceled, remains nominated in that same category.
Colbert’s message was direct. He appeared on camera with a beard, sitting in a chair, and spoke to the camera while holding a tablet showing Kimmel’s image. He told voters that Kimmel deserves the recognition regardless of whether they have watched his show. The clip serves as a sign of the close friendship between the two late-night figures. They have appeared on each other’s programs repeatedly and maintained a high level of public support for one another throughout their careers.
The Cancellation Debate
CBS ended The Late Show last year, attributing the move to a financial decision. That explanation failed to stop the speculation. Critics and allies of Colbert argued that the cancellation was a response to his political content. The announcement arrived just days after the parent company, Paramount, settled a lawsuit with Donald Trump regarding 60 Minutes. Soon after, the Federal Communications Commission approved Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media, a move that drew further scrutiny.
Public records indicated that the show carried a high price tag. Reports from the time stated the program lost approximately $40 million annually for the network. Colbert famously pushed back against his bosses from his desk on air. Jimmy Kimmel stood by his colleague during the transition. Kimmel used his own platform to encourage his audience to tune in to the final broadcast of The Late Show, marking a clear division between the hosts and the network brass.
Industry Fallout and Critic Reaction
Not everyone saw the video as a lighthearted gesture between friends. Curtis Houck, the managing editor at NewsBusters, described the plea as embarrassing. He argued that the request reflects a insular culture within Hollywood that persists in pushing partisan narratives. Houck suggested that the industry needs major changes, as the current state of network comedy continues to face criticism from viewers who believe the programs have moved too far into political activism.
Kimmel remains a lightning rod for controversy. His recent tenure saw him suspended temporarily by Disney after he made remarks about Charlie Kirk that caused widespread outrage. ABC later preempted his show. The host also faced heat for an attempt to defend himself regarding a joke about Melania Trump that circulated widely following the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. These incidents have fueled the debate over the role and tone of late-night hosts in the current media climate. As the Emmy voting window closes, the industry watches to see if Colbert’s endorsement carries weight or if the voters move in a different direction.