Stephen Colbert is set to film the final episode of CBS’s “The Late Show” on May 21. Now, ahead of the sure-to-be emotional send-off, fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel continues to show his support. Most recently, the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is calling for a boycott of the network.
During the May 20 monologue from “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 that the network was canceling “The Late Show,” which began in 1993.
Kimmel told his audience about the camaraderie he shares with Colbert and the team at “The Late Show.” According to him, “Everyone at that show has always been very gracious to us. We never felt like we were competing against them.”
Kimmel added, “It was nothing like the old days of late-night,” 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 most important to congratulate Stephen and the team at the ‘Late Show’for all the great work. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you. I will be watching tomorrow night.”
Kimmel also shared that his show will not air a new episode on May 21 out of respect for Colbert.
Kimmel Also Called For A CBS Boycott
Kimmel continued his line of discussion about the end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” He explained, “I think you know how I feel about the fact that they’re being pushed out. I hope the people who did the pushing feel ashamed of themselves tonight, although I know they probably won’t.”
Kimmel went on to urge viewers to ditch CBS after watching Colbert’s final episode. He suggested, “Don’t ever watch it again, but watch tomorrow night to wish Stephen and our friends at the ‘Late Show’ a fond farewell.”
He then referred to Donald Trump, joking, “Now let’s talk about the a-shole that forced them off the air.”
Fans Say Kimmel’s Support Of Colbert Is A Major Green Flag
Following Kimmel’s support of Colbert and call for a CBS boycott, fans are weighing in. For the most part, viewers aren’t opposed to supporting the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and then leaving the network behind. However, some take issue with the strategy.
One person on YouTube said, “How lovely that Jimmy is taking the night off in homage to Colbert.” Another fan wrote, “Thank you, Jimmy, for recognizing Stephen’s great work. We’re really gonna miss Stephen for 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 is the end of an era for American late-night, but not the end of the Colbert legacy.”
Lastly, a different person wrote, “Fighting with comedy against a tyrant. Thank you, Stephen and Jimmy, for fighting, even when it means sacrificing what’s important to you. We are always with you.”
However, others noted that a CBS boycott could lead to layoffs at the company, including among people who work behind the scenes on other shows.
Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Is On Top
What has made Colbert’s cancellation controversial is that the show is a ratings hit. As the series has neared its end, its viewership has even increased. According to Late Nighter, Colbert’s show was number one among network late-night shows for April 2026.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” averaged 2.81 million viewers, including live plus seven-day viewership. This marks a 5% increase from March. Kimmel was a close second with 2.48 million viewers. Third place went to NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” His show drew 1.21 million eyeballs.
Colbert Revealed 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’ll be attending his brother’s wedding.
According to him, “My [eight] brothers and sisters and [their] husbands and wives are coming to the last show, and then we’re all getting on the train the next day and going down to D.C. to go to Tommy’s wedding.”
He went on to note that “it’s great” that the focus will not be on him. Colbert added, “[The] focus is on my brother. So much better. We’ll get drunk, and we’ll sing. We all think we have good voices. That’s the great danger of our family, especially the men. It’ll be great.”
