Just hours ahead of the recording for tonight’s episode of CBS’ “The Late Show,” host Stephen Colbert was informed of some exhilarating news: Disney had announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is set to make its return this Tuesday.
“We produce approximately 160 episodes annually, and it’s always uplifting to kick off the show with some positive updates,” Colbert expressed during Monday’s episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” He continued, “Moments ago, we were notified that our prolonged late-night ordeal has ended, as Disney has confirmed that ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ will be back on ABC tomorrow night. What fantastic news for my good friend Jimmy and his incredible team!”
Following this announcement, Colbert proudly showcased the Emmy he received for Outstanding Talk Show during the previous weekend’s awards ceremony: “I couldn’t be happier for them. Plus, now that Jimmy is back on the air, I can take delight in this accolade once more!” He humorously added, “For my part, I remain the sole martyr in late night. By the way, CBS, any announcements on your end?”
Scott Kowalchyk/CBS
“Here’s why Disney has reversed its decision. Following Kimmel’s suspension, there was a surge in Google searches for ‘cancel Disney+’ and ‘cancel Hulu’—and this coincided with another trending search: ‘how to entertain a feral child without Bluey?’,” he joked.
“Disney restored Kimmel to the airwaves because, quite frankly, you, the American populace, voiced your concern,” Colbert commented. “And it wasn’t just the general public. Even Ted Cruz weighed in, joining the chorus of conservatives who expressed outrage over what was viewed as an infringement on free speech.” Colbert played audio clips of Cruz, quipping in disbelief that he found common ground with Cruz on any issue.
“Welcome back, Jimmy,” Colbert finally remarked. “May your show flourish for years to come!”
Colbert had previously come to Kimmel’s defense when ABC announced an “indefinite” suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” This move sparked widespread concern over the implications for First Amendment rights, especially after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr threatened to take action against Disney unless Kimmel’s show was sidelined. In an unprecedented display of power, Carr appeared on a far-right podcast, ominously stating that the FCC had “remedies we can explore. We can handle this the easy way or the hard way.”
In his September 18 monologue, Colbert observed, “It’s telling that right after Carr made his statements about ABC, Kimmel is off the air. This decision came after emergency meetings involving ABC, Disney, and their affiliates, where industry executives concluded that Kimmel had not crossed any lines. But the shadow of potential retaliation from the Trump administration loomed large. As one insider put it, they were terrified. On the plus side, this just reinforces Disney’s dominance in the streaming realm.”
Colbert elaborated, “Carr was quick to assure us that ‘while this may be an unprecedented decision, it’s vital for broadcasters to uphold community values in programming.’ Well, you know what my community values are, pal? Freedom of expression.”
In that same episode, “The Late Show” even parodied “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast,” featuring the character Lumiere urging Disney employees to “keep quiet” and warning that “the new rule at ABC is to steer clear of making fun of Donald Trump.”
Colbert referred to Kimmel’s suspension as “blatant censorship” and asserted, “In the face of an autocratic regime, one must not concede any ground… Jimmy, I stand firmly with you and your team.”
Earlier this summer, Kimmel had shown his solidarity towards Colbert when rumors circulated that CBS might cancel “The Late Show” as part of a strategy to appease the FCC, which needed approval for Paramount Global’s acquisition by Skydance. Both Paramount and Skydance have denied these claims, yet the timing left many manifesting curiosity over the handling of Colbert’s show’s potential cancellation.
Kimmel later told Variety, “We were all taken aback and disheartened by the fact that such actions are occurring in America. It’s unfortunate that we don’t see more individuals from the right speaking out against this type of censorship. Silencing comedians or commentators—whatever you choose to label them—isn’t right. I can assure you, if Joe Biden tried to leverage his influence to have Sean Hannity removed from the airwaves, I’d be right there in defense of Hannity. Protecting free speech, regardless of whether you agree with the sentiments expressed, should be a fundamental value.”
