Stephen Colbert Cheers Jimmy Kimmel’s Return After ABC Ends Suspension
Stephen Colbert received some good news just hours before recording the latest episode of “The Late Show.” Disney announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would be returning on ABC the following night. Colbert expressed his excitement at the news, stating that it’s always nice to start the show with good news and congratulating his friend Jimmy Kimmel and his staff on the show’s return.
During Monday’s episode, Colbert humorously grabbed the Emmy he had won for outstanding talk show and joked about being the only late-night “martyr” now that Kimmel’s show was no longer canceled. He also hinted at CBS possibly announcing something similar in the future.
Last week, Colbert came to Kimmel’s defense after ABC “indefinitely” suspended his show due to pressure from the FCC chairman threatening action against Disney. Colbert criticized the decision as an assault on the First Amendment and free speech rights, highlighting the fear of Trump administration retaliation as a significant factor in the suspension.
In a show of support, Colbert parodied Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” song “Be Our Guest” during a previous episode, calling out the censorship and standing with Kimmel and his staff. Kimmel had previously shown support for Colbert when his show was facing cancellation, even going as far as putting up billboards in support of Colbert’s Emmy consideration.
The cancellation of Colbert’s show was speculated to be a move by Paramount Global to appease the FCC for their acquisition by Skydance. Despite denials from both companies, the timing raised questions about the handling of Colbert’s cancellation.
Kimmel expressed disappointment in the censorship and lack of support for free speech in America, emphasizing the importance of protecting the right to express differing opinions. He criticized the silence from those on the right and highlighted the founding principle of free speech in the country.
The support and camaraderie between Colbert and Kimmel in the face of censorship and potential cancellation demonstrate the solidarity among late-night hosts in defending their right to freedom of expression. The return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” marks a victory for the late-night comedy community and a celebration of the importance of free speech in the entertainment industry.
