Colbert Backs Kimmel for Emmy Amid ‘Late Show’ Cancellation

In a move that has charmed some and raised eyebrows among others, Stephen Colbert, fresh off the cancellation of his own “The Late Show,” has publicly endorsed Jimmy Kimmel for an Emmy Award. The beloved late-night host, whose final show aired in May, took to social media to encourage Emmy voters to cast their ballots for his ABC counterpart.

A Bromance and an Emmy Plea

Colbert’s “The Late Show” is nominated for Outstanding Variety Series at the upcoming Emmy Awards, facing stiff competition from Kimmel’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” along with “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “The Daily Show,” and “Saturday Night Live.” In a short video filmed from a dramatic clifftop overlooking a vast body of water, a visibly bearded Colbert addressed the voting window, which he noted is a mere 24 hours.

“Oh, hi, Stephen Colbert here at the end of the world,” he began with his signature wit. “You know, there is 24 hours in Emmy voting, and if you’re anything like me, you haven’t even started yet. So, let’s get going.” He then zeroed in on the Outstanding Variety Series category. “I think we can all agree that Jimmy Kimmel deserves an Emmy,” Colbert declared, displaying an image of Kimmel on a tablet. “I don’t care if you’ve never even seen his show, you know he deserves an Emmy. Besides, look how cute he is. Anyway, please consider thinking that Jimmy deserves an Emmy. I do. I love you.”

Criticism and Context

The gesture, while seemingly friendly, has drawn criticism from some media observers. Curtis Houck, managing editor of NewsBusters, described Colbert’s plea as “beyond pathetic and embarrassing.” Houck suggested that such actions highlight a perceived insular nature within certain media circles, which he believes are overly focused on partisan agendas and negativity, particularly concerning political figures. He further posited that this dynamic contributes to a decline in network comedy, making it difficult to take the profession seriously without significant changes.

Kimmel himself has been a vocal supporter of Colbert, having publicly expressed dismay when CBS announced the discontinuation of “The Late Show.” Both hosts have a well-documented history of mutual admiration, frequently appearing on each other’s programs. Kimmel even dedicated a portion of his show to Colbert’s final broadcast, urging his own audience to tune in to CBS for the farewell episode.

“I will be watching tomorrow night. I hope that those of you who watch our show will also tune in to CBS for the last time. Don’t ever watch it again,” Kimmel quipped on the eve of Colbert’s departure from his CBS show.

The Cancellation Debate

The decision by CBS to end “The Late Show” in 2025 ignited a significant public discussion. Many of Colbert’s supporters on the liberal side of the political spectrum contended that the cancellation was politically motivated. This sentiment gained traction shortly after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump, and following the FCC’s approval of Paramount’s substantial merger with Skydance Media, a company led by David Ellison, son of billionaire Larry Ellison, who has been an ally of Trump.

CBS, however, maintained that the cancellation was primarily a financial decision. Reports at the time indicated that “The Late Show” was incurring substantial annual losses for the network, estimated at around $40 million. Colbert himself openly challenged this narrative on his show, defying his corporate leadership.

Kimmel’s Own Controversies

The conversation around late-night hosts and their commentary also brings to mind previous controversies involving Kimmel. He faced backlash and a brief suspension from Disney after making remarks that sparked outrage regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. ABC initially preempted his show indefinitely, though he returned days later, asserting he had no intention of trivializing Kirk’s death.

More recently, Kimmel drew criticism for a joke made about first lady Melania Trump in the context of an “expectant widow.” This comment resurfaced and went viral following an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, leading to public calls from both President Trump and the first lady for ABC to take action against Kimmel.

Conclusion

As the Emmy voting period unfolds, Stephen Colbert’s unconventional endorsement of Jimmy Kimmel adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of late-night television, its hosts, and their complex relationship with both their audiences and the broader cultural and political landscape. While Colbert’s show may be off the air, his voice remains a notable presence in the industry, even as he champions a fellow competitor.