Jimmy Kimmel Shows Strong Support for Stephen Colbert with Bold Billboard After ‘Late Show’ Cancellation

The unexpected cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after ten seasons has shaken the entertainment world, triggering a wave of support from fellow late-night hosts and Emmy voters. Among the most vocal supporters is Jimmy Kimmel, who made a public statement of solidarity by unveiling a striking billboard in Los Angeles urging Emmy voters to choose Colbert.

The billboard, first revealed by Variety, prominently features a photo of Jimmy Kimmel alongside his own Emmy nomination announcement for Outstanding Talk Series. Below, in bold white letters, it reads: “I’m voting Stephen.” This public display not only endorses Colbert for the Emmy but also protests the circumstances behind the show’s cancellation.

Background: The Sudden End of Colbert’s Show

Paramount officially cited financial reasons for canceling The Late Show, with CBS stating: “This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.” Colbert, who took over the iconic program in 2015 after David Letterman’s retirement, has been a key figure in late-night TV, known for his sharp humor and insightful commentary.

However, the cancellation came just days after Colbert publicly criticized Paramount’s parent company for a large settlement involving former President Donald Trump, prompting speculation about the true reasons behind the decision.

Support from the Late-Night Community

Jimmy Kimmel quickly responded, sharing a clip from Colbert’s July 17 broadcast and expressing his admiration: “Love you Stephen,” he wrote. Kimmel also openly criticized the network with a strong message: “F— you and all your Sheldons CBS.”

Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show, also voiced his support on July 22, defending Colbert and criticizing the broader cultural climate: “If you’re trying to figure out why Stephen’s show is ending, I don’t think the answer can be found in some smoking gun email or phone call from Trump to CBS executives or in CBS’ QuickBooks spreadsheets on the financial health of late night. I think the answer is in the fear and pre-compliance that is gripping all of America’s institutions at this very moment, institutions that have chosen not to fight the vengeful and vindictive actions of our pubic hair doodling Commander in Chief. This is not the moment to give in.”

Seth Meyers also showed his support via Instagram Stories: “For as great a comedian and host he is, Stephen Colbert is an even better person. I’m going to miss having him on TV every night but I’m excited he can no longer use the excuse that he’s ‘too busy to hang out’ with me.”

The Larger Significance: Solidarity and Resistance

The public backing of Colbert by his peers highlights the strong camaraderie within the late-night community and reflects growing concerns about corporate and political pressures on creative freedom. Kimmel’s billboard is more than just an Emmy endorsement—it’s a bold statement against the chilling effect such pressures can have on artistic expression.

As Emmy voters prepare to make their decisions, Jimmy Kimmel’s billboard stands as a powerful symbol of resistance and unity. The late-night community’s reaction to Colbert’s cancellation makes one thing clear: the fight for creative independence and integrity in media continues, and Stephen Colbert’s legacy will be passionately defended by those who know his work best.