Jimmy Kimmel voiced love and solidarity for Stephen Colbert while criticizing CBS; Jimmy Fallon said he was shocked and praised Colbert as a sharp, funny host and a true friend. Their reactions followed CBS’s July 17, 2025 announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end in May 2026, concluding the Late Show franchise.
What Jimmy Kimmel said about Colbert’s cancellation
Kimmel, host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, posted a short message to Instagram: “Love you Stephen.” The Associated Press reported that Kimmel also directed an expletive at CBS; ABC described his response as support for Colbert paired with criticism of the network. AP ABC News
What Jimmy Fallon said
Fallon, host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, shared a longer response on Instagram. ABC reproduced his statement: “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30.” ABC News
Fallon continued by describing Colbert as “a gentleman and a true friend over the years,” and said their relationship went back to The Colbert Report. He added that he was sure Colbert’s next project would be “just as brilliant.” TheWrap
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CBS announced on July 17, 2025, that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would conclude in May 2026 and that the network was retiring the Late Show franchise. Colbert told his studio audience during that day’s taping that the next season would be the show’s last. CBS News
CBS characterized the move as a financial decision amid a challenging late-night environment and said it was not related to the program’s performance or content. That is the network’s stated explanation, not an independently established account of its motives. CBS also said it was proud Colbert had called the network home and that he and the broadcast would be remembered among late-night television’s greats. CBS News
Some public criticism questioned whether political considerations played a role, including a call from Sen. Adam Schiff for transparency if they did. Those questions and criticisms do not establish an alternative motive; the announced reason remains CBS’s financial explanation. TheWrap
Quick Recap
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How the hosts’ reactions differed
| Host | What the response emphasized |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Kimmel | Brief affection and support for Colbert, alongside criticism of CBS. |
| Jimmy Fallon | Shock at the news, praise for Colbert’s talent, and a personal tribute to their friendship. |
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