Jimmy Kimmel calls for boycott of CBS after final episode of Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show'

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel urged viewers to stop watching CBS after the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , while expressing strong support for fellow comedian Stephen Colbert ahead of the show’s finale.

Speaking during an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 20, Kimmel urged viewers to tune in for Colbert’s final broadcast — before then calling for a boycott of the network.

“I hope that those of you who watch our show will also tune in one last time to CBS,” Kimmel said.

“Don’t ever watch it again, but tune in tomorrow night to show Stephen and our friends at The Late Show a fun farewell.”

Kimmel announces blackout in solidarity with Colbert

Kimmel also revealed that his late-night ABC program is not airing on May 21 out of respect for Colbert and his staff.

“Tomorrow night we will be off out of respect for our colleague and friend Stephen Colbert and the writers, producers, staff and crew of The Late Show, whose final show on CBS airs opposite ours,” Kimmel said during his monologue.

He also criticized the decision-makers behind the cancellation.

“I think you know how I feel about being pushed out. I hope the people who did the pushing out are ashamed of themselves tonight, although they probably won’t be,” he added.

CBS cites financial reasons for the cancellation

CBS announced in July that it would end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after 33 years on the air.

The network described the move as “a purely financial decision in a challenging late-night environment”.

However, speculation persisted that political tensions may have contributed to the cancellation.

The announcement came shortly after Donald Trump reached a $16 million settlement with Paramount, the parent company of CBS, following a lawsuit.

Kimmel praises Colbert

Despite CBS’ criticism, Kimmel spent much of his monologue celebrating Colbert and the people behind The Late Show.

“That being said, the most important thing is to congratulate Stephen and everyone on The Late Show for their work over the past five years and for all the great work you will continue to do in other places,” Kimmel said.

“I have no doubt. Everyone on that show has always been very kind to us. We never felt like we were competing against them,” he added.

‘Nothing like the old days of late nights’

Kimmel also reflected on his friendship with Colbert and the supportive relationship between modern late-night hosts.

“My relationship with Stephen was nothing like the old late night days,” he said.

“I loved being on Stephen’s show, I loved having him here with us. I hope we can do it again. I hope he comes to visit as many times as possible.”

He continued, “On behalf of everyone on our show, we want to say to everyone on your show, it’s a pleasure working alongside you.”

Colbert’s final episode airs on May 21

Colbert first announced during a July 2025 episode that CBS had canceled the show.

The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air on May 21 at 11:35 PM ET on CBS.

The network promoted the finale as an “extended” episode, although guest appearances were not publicly announced.

In a show of solidarity, the shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Kimmel will be dark during Colbert’s farewell broadcast.

CBS lineup changes after Colbert’s departure

Following Colbert’s departure, Byron Allen-hosted Comics Unleashed will move to the CBS 11:35 PM ET slot beginning May 22.

The network plans to air back-to-back half-hour episodes of the comedy series each weekday, followed by two episodes of Funny You Should Ask at 12:35 p.m. ET.

Read also | Stephen Colbert signs off ‘The Late Show’ tonight after 11 years