“It All Hit at Once”: Stephen Colbert Opens Up About His Show’s Cancellation and Jimmy Kimmel’s Shock Removal from ABC

In a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , the host shared the stage with fellow late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who was simultaneously a guest on Colbert’s show. The two discussed their experiences with recent show cancellations, their friendship, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with life in late-night television.

Colbert kicked off the interview by expressing his happiness to have Kimmel on the show, remarking on their shared experiences in the industry. He humorously noted that he had never been happier to lose an Emmy, referencing the awards ceremony that had taken place shortly before their conversation. “It was a lovely night,” Colbert said, reflecting on the event and the support of his staff, who had accompanied him to the Emmys.

Colbert quoted Prince during his acceptance speech, saying, “If the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy, punch a higher floor.” This sentiment resonated with both hosts as they navigated their respective challenges in the late-night landscape.

Turning to the topic of their show cancellations, Colbert recounted how he learned about his own show’s fate. He received a call from their mutual manager, James “Baby Doll” Dixon, who had known about the cancellation for a week but chose not to inform Colbert while he was on vacation. “I walked into the apartment, and my wife Evie asked, ‘What happened? You get canceled?’ I said, ‘Yes, I did,’” he recalled, highlighting the shock of the moment.

Colbert shared how he initially hesitated to inform his staff about the cancellation. After much deliberation, he decided to tell them before the summer break, but only revealed the news to a select few before recording the show. During the live taping, he attempted to deliver the news to the audience, but his nerves got the best of him. “I was so nervous about doing it right that I messed up twice and had to restart,” he admitted, explaining that the audience thought it was part of the act.

While Colbert was recounting his experience, Kimmel chimed in, revealing that he, too, had faced a similar shock when he learned that ABC was pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air. Kimmel humorously noted that he found out just before going on stage, and like Colbert, he had to navigate the emotional fallout while still performing.

Kimmel shared that he was inundated with texts of support from friends and colleagues, including Colbert, who reached out after hearing the news. The camaraderie between the two hosts was evident as they exchanged stories of how they coped with the abrupt changes in their careers.

Amid the serious discussions about their careers, the conversation took a lighter turn when Kimmel joked about the timing of Jimmy Fallon’s birthday, which fell the day after Kimmel’s cancellation. Colbert humorously remarked on how selfish it was for Fallon to celebrate his birthday during such tumultuous times, saying, “If anyone deserves a birthday, it’s Kimmel.”

The banter between Colbert and Kimmel showcased their longstanding friendship and mutual respect for one another, which has grown over the years. Colbert praised Kimmel for his resilience and leadership, noting how much he admired him as a friend and colleague.

As both hosts navigate the unpredictable world of late-night television, their shared experiences highlight the challenges and triumphs that come with the territory. Kimmel and Colbert’s candid conversation not only provided insight into their personal journeys but also underscored the importance of friendship and support in the competitive landscape of late-night comedy.

Fans can continue to catch their respective shows, with Kimmel back on air and Colbert continuing to deliver his signature humor on CBS. In a world where the stakes are high and the pressure is constant, the bond between these two comedians serves as a reminder of the camaraderie that exists behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.