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Kimmel: Late-Night Isn't Dying Naturally
1 Jun
Summary
- Jimmy Kimmel believes late-night television is being "poisoned," not naturally dying.
- Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" was canceled by CBS in July 2025.
- Kimmel's own contract was extended by only one year, unlike the usual three.
Jimmy Kimmel voiced his unease regarding the perceived decline of late-night television, suggesting that the format is actively being "poisoned." This sentiment arose following the conclusion of Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" on May 21, 2026. Kimmel highlighted that despite declining viewership numbers for some, the overall online and linear viewership for late-night shows remains substantial, making claims of irrelevance "silly."
CBS announced the cancellation of "The Late Show" in July 2025, citing financial decisions amidst a challenging industry landscape. However, speculation suggests political tensions tied to the network's merger with SkyDance media may have played a role, especially given Colbert's critical stance on the former Trump administration. Kimmel questioned the financial rationale, pointing out that Colbert was offered a five-year contract in 2023, implying the show wasn't losing significant money.
Kimmel also revealed that his own show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," while profitable, received a one-year contract extension in December 2025, a deviation from the standard three-year renewal. This reflects the current "tumultuous" environment in the industry. Colbert's final broadcast featured appearances from fellow late-night hosts, including Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Kimmel himself, concluding with a musical performance by Paul McCartney.
