Colbert's Crew Eager to Join Kimmel's Team Before Show Finale

In September 2025, during a joint appearance on each other's late-night shows, Jimmy Kimmel revealed that some of Stephen Colbert's staff members have already approached him about potentially joining Jimmy Kimmel Live! before Colbert's show comes to an end in 2026.

Kimmel, 57, praised Colbert's "fantastic" staff and show, telling the 61-year-old host that the first 10 members of his crew had come to Kimmel and said, "I will leave today if you hire me." Colbert took the comment in stride, joking that his staff "as well they should" be eager to work for Kimmel.

The banter between the two hosts comes over two months after Colbert announced that his Late Show would be wrapping up in May 2026. CBS cited a "challenging backdrop in late night" as the reason for the show's conclusion. Kimmel has since been supportive of Colbert, encouraging Emmy voters to recognize his program.

As the two late-night personalities continue to build a strong rapport, Colbert expressed his admiration for Kimmel, saying he's "so happy" Kimmel's show is back on the air and that he's enjoyed getting to know Kimmel better in recent years.