Stephen Colbert delivered a sharp yet emotional response to Jimmy Kimmel’s sudden ABC departure, hinting that political clashes and ratings pressure forced the move, while warning that losing Kimmel marks a dramatic and uncertain turning point for late-night television.

The late-night television landscape was thrown into turmoil last week after ABC confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel, the longtime host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, would be leaving the network after more than 20 years.

The announcement arrived suddenly, catching both fans and industry insiders off guard.

While ABC issued a short statement thanking Kimmel for his “immeasurable contributions,” it stopped short of explaining why one of the network’s most recognizable faces was stepping down.

Now, Stephen Colbert has spoken out on CBS’s The Late Show, and his fiery reaction has only added fuel to the swirling speculation.

Colbert, known for balancing sharp political satire with emotional commentary, began his Thursday night monologue by addressing the departure head-on.

With a smirk that quickly turned into seriousness, he told the audience: “Jimmy Kimmel has walked away from ABC.

I don’t know if that means late night has lost a king or if ABC has just lost its sense of humor.

” The line, equal parts joke and jab, drew loud laughs in the Ed Sullivan Theater but also underscored a growing belief that ABC’s decision was less about Kimmel’s choice and more about the network’s discomfort with his outspoken style.

For years, Kimmel used his late-night platform for more than just celebrity interviews and viral pranks.

He became known for raw, emotional monologues about gun violence, immigration, and healthcare—most memorably in 2017, when he broke down while discussing his infant son’s heart surgery.

These moments won him admiration from audiences who appreciated his willingness to go beyond jokes, but they also sparked controversy and backlash, especially from viewers and politicians who accused him of turning comedy into politics.

Insiders have long suggested that ABC executives grew uneasy with this direction, especially as ratings faced pressure from streaming rivals and advertisers looked for safer bets.

Colbert addressed that tension directly, quipping: “If ABC thought Jimmy was too political, wait until they meet the next generation of hosts.

They’ll be live-streaming impeachment hearings on TikTok before the opening monologue.

” The jab landed hard, earning applause and cheers, while also exposing a bigger truth about the shifting late-night landscape: younger audiences no longer want apolitical fluff, but pointed commentary that reflects the chaos of the times.

The CBS host went further, sharing a story about a private conversation with Kimmel.

“Back at the Emmys a few years ago, Jimmy leaned over and said, ‘We’re all just renting these jobs until the networks decide they want a cooking show instead.

’ I thought he was kidding.

Turns out, maybe he wasn’t.”

The anecdote, delivered half as a joke and half as a lament, highlighted the industry’s growing reliance on cheaper unscripted programming as networks cut back on costly talk shows.

Kimmel’s departure marks the end of an era.

Since premiering in 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! transformed from an unpredictable, chaotic experiment into one of late night’s most consistent staples.

From unforgettable pranks like “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets” to heartfelt tributes after national tragedies, Kimmel crafted a show that balanced silliness with sincerity.

Over the years, he became a fixture of award shows, hosting the Oscars three times and turning Hollywood’s biggest nights into must-watch TV.

Colbert acknowledged that legacy with rare sincerity.

“Love him or not, Jimmy changed the game.

He wasn’t afraid to be messy, to be emotional, or to make you think while you laughed.

That’s not just talent—that’s courage.” His words drew a standing ovation from the audience, many of whom seemed to share the sense that something bigger than just a show’s cancellation had been lost.

Still, Colbert couldn’t resist hinting that this may not be the last we see of Kimmel.

“If you think Jimmy Kimmel is retiring, you don’t know Jimmy,” he said with a grin.

“He’ll be back—whether it’s Netflix, a podcast, or maybe running for mayor of Las Vegas.

Who knows?” The line has since sparked endless speculation in Hollywood about Kimmel’s next move.

Streaming giants have already been rumored to be circling him with big offers, and others suggest he may return to his comedic roots through stand-up tours.

For ABC, the uncertainty looms large.

The network has yet to announce a successor, though names like Trevor Noah, Amber Ruffin, and even Samantha Bee have been floated by insiders.

Whoever takes the job faces the monumental challenge of capturing a fractured audience at a time when younger viewers are abandoning traditional television altogether.

Colbert closed his remarks with a final nod to his fellow host: “Jimmy, if you’re watching this—thank you.

For the laughs, for the truth, for being bold when it mattered.

And if you’re not watching this, well, then I’ve just been talking to myself again—which, let’s face it, happens a lot on CBS.” The comment was both tender and teasing, encapsulating the unique mix of rivalry and camaraderie that defines the late-night world.

What comes next for Kimmel remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Stephen Colbert’s explosive reaction has turned a quiet network announcement into the biggest story in late-night television.

Whether ABC’s gamble pays off or backfires spectacularly, the shockwaves from Kimmel’s departure—and Colbert’s biting response—will shape the future of the industry for years to come.