One of the lovely things about the current crop of late night hosts is the genuine camaraderie among them. Sure, most of them were brimming with jealousy over John Oliver winning Outstanding Talk Series at the Emmys year after year after year, to the point where they booted him out of the category into Variety Series (where Last Week Tonight has beat out SNL ever since) — but aside from that, they’re a very supportive bunch! They all rallied behind Stephen Colbert for his first Late Show episode after announcing that CBS/Paramount had unceremoniously canned him all to appease a bigly baby tyrant, and they likewise stood tall with Jimmy Kimmel during his week of indefinite suspension from ABC/Disney… all to appease a bigly baby tyrant. Colbert and Oliver each devoted substantial time on their shows this past week to Kimmel’s predicament and the grave consequences for the US if he and ABC/Disney didn’t come to terms. Luckily they did, on Monday, with enough lead time for Colbert to cover it on his show that night:
Stephen Colbert kicked off “The Late Show” on Monday by declaring that “our long, national late-nightmare is over” after ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel’s late night program will return to the air.
“COME ON!” Colbert shouted as his audience erupted in applause.
“Woo! Woo! Yes, sir, as well it should be,” he added.
“It’s wonderful news for my dear friend Jimmy and his amazing staff,” Colbert said, before joking that it means he can again brag about his recently won Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, which he hadn’t done out of mocking faux respect for Kimmel.
“Once more, I am the only martyr in late night,” Colbert cracked, referring to his own show currently being on borrowed time for what has been interpreted to be political reasons.
Colbert then addressed his bosses at CBS: “Wait. Unless, CBS, you want to announce anything? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Still no? Right, because of the money thing, I forgot.”
Kimmel’s show will return to the air on Tuesday, just days after it was “indefinitely” suspended (amid government pressure) following MAGA anger over the host’s comments after the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Colbert’s show is set to end in May, a move CBS has claimed is “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night” and “nothing to do” with “other matters happening at Paramount,” such as the Trump administration’s approval the company was seeking in a now-finalized merger with Skydance Media.
I watched Monday night’s Late Show and ooh mama, he is so good at hosting that show! His relationship with the camera is so personable that it extends to us as the audience. The side angles from when he was looking one way speaking to us then panning another way to ask if CBS had anything to say/reconsider — those movements were so polished. Plus he’s such a smart man. It’s a BIG loss, folks! And now I definitely feel bad that we didn’t put up the same fight/backlash for Stephen that we did for Jimmy. Why is that? Maybe because Jimmy’s absence was immediate, whereas our short attention spans haven’t yet processed or even fathomed The Late Show actually disappearing? Or perhaps it was that Stephen has done such an exemplary job as “the only martyr in late night,” that he inspired us to take action for Jimmy?! (Hey, I’m trying here!) Sadly, I doubt CBS will backtrack at this point. Hopefully there’s a future platform ready and waiting to welcome Stephen in whatever incarnation he takes next; I’m thinking some cross between his present hosting gig with his heightened character from The Colbert Report. Something like, Martyr Matters with St. Stephen.
Note by CB: I canceled my Paramount+ subscription after we heard Colbert got canceled. You can still do this!
Photos credit: Jeffrey Mayer/Avalon, Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Avalon, Getty, Jimmy Kimmel via Instagram
Ugh, I just signed up for Paramount+ and posted a comment about their fun library of older shows. Didn’t clock the Colbert connection. Oh well, goodbye to the peacock — and The Good Wife. That was nice while it lasted.
Paramount and Peacock are different streamers. CBS vs. NBC.
I think the pushback to Colbert wasn’t the same as Kimmel because like you said, his show is still on until May, so people just don’t look at it the same as Kimmel’s immediate suspension. I also think while everyone “knows” Colbert was being canceled to appease Trump, it wasn’t as open and out there as Kimmel’s suspension was, with the FCC chair going on talk shows and threatening anyone who doesn’t kiss the ring.
It will be interesting to see what happens in May. honestly, Colbert unleashed and on HBO or YouTube will be way worse for the administration.
I’m still hoping for Netflix to make an offer to Colbert that he can’t refuse and making his show, or a new one, accessible for a worldwide audience.
The higher ups & politicians don’t realize the men of late have worked together and been friends for years. The Leno + his rivals years have long passed. There is a definite bro club amongst late hosts and, in this context, it’s a good thing. Good for them for supporting each other and, more importantly, supporting & upholding freedom of speech.
Put your money where you say your morals are! Cancel that Paramount+ too, y’all!