Stéphane Colbert is set to film the final episode of CBS’ “The Late Show” on May 21. Now, before what’s sure to be an emotional farewell, another late-night host Jimmy Kimmel continues to show support. Most recently, the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” » calls for a boycott of the network.
During the May 20 monologue of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “, the host shared his thoughts on the end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” For context, this comes after it was announced in July 2025 that not only would Colbert be leaving CBS, but the network was canceling “The Late Show,” which debuted in 1993.
Kimmel spoke to his audience about the camaraderie he shares with Colbert and the crew of “The Late Show.” According to him, “Everyone at this show has always been very nice to us. We never felt like we were in competition against them.”
Kimmel added, “It was nothing like the good old days of late-night shows,” comparing his more positive experience with the more cutthroat nature of late-night television in the past.
After that, he congratulated the longtime host. The 58-year-old added: “But that being said, I think it’s very important to congratulate Stephen and the ‘Late Show’ team on all the great work. It was a pleasure working alongside you. I’ll be watching tomorrow night.”
Kimmel also shared that his show would not air a new episode on May 21 out of respect for Colbert.
Kimmel also called for a boycott of CBS
Kimmel continued his discussion about the end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” He explained: “I think you know how I feel about them being kicked out. I hope the people who pushed are ashamed of themselves tonight, even though I know they probably won’t.”
Kimmel then urged viewers to ditch CBS after watching Colbert’s latest episode. He suggested: “Don’t ever watch it again, but watch tomorrow night to bid Stephen and our friends on the ‘Late Show’ a fond farewell.
He then mentioned Donald Trumpjoking: “Now let’s talk about the asshole who forced them off the air.”
Fans say Kimmel’s support for Colbert is a major green flag
Following Kimmel’s support of Colbert and the call to boycott CBS, fans have spoken out. For the most part, viewers aren’t opposed to rooting for the latest episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and then leaving the network behind. However, some dispute this strategy.
One person on YouTube said: “How lovely that Jimmy is taking a Colbert tribute party.” Another fan wrote: “Thank you Jimmy for recognizing Stephen’s great work. We will really miss Stephen on his final show tomorrow night.”
Someone else said: “We love you, Stephen, thank you for serving our country with biting humor, intelligence and compassionate integrity. It’s the end of an era for late-night Americans, but not the end of Colbert’s legacy.”
Finally, another person wrote: “Fighting with comedy against a bully. Thank you, Stephen and Jimmy, for fighting, even if it means sacrificing what is important to you. We are always with you.”
However, others noted that a CBS boycott could lead to layoffs within the company, including among people who work behind the scenes on other shows.
Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” is on top
What made Colbert’s cancellation controversial was that the series was a ratings success. As the series comes to an end, its audience has even increased. According to Late Nighter, Colbert’s show was number one among the network’s late night shows in April 2026.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” averaged 2.81 million viewers, including live and seven-day viewing. This represents an increase of 5% compared to March. Kimmel comes in close behind with 2.48 million viewers. Third place went to NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” His show attracted 1.21 million views.
Colbert revealed his plans for the day after ‘Late Show’ ends
Colbert spoke to PEOPLE in May 2026, revealing how he plans to spend the days after hosting his final episode. The 62-year-old revealed he would be attending his brother’s wedding.
According to him, “My [eight] brothers and sisters and [their] the husbands and wives come to the last show, then we all get on the train the next day and go down to Washington to go to Tommy’s wedding.
He added that “it’s great” that the focus isn’t on him. Colbert added: “[The] the focus is on my brother. So much better. We’ll get drunk and we’ll sing. We all think we have good voices. This is the great danger for our family, especially for men. It will be great.
