Stephen Colbert responded with sharp sarcasm and heartfelt praise to Jimmy Kimmel’s sudden departure from ABC, suggesting tensions over politics and ratings drove the exit, while warning that the move leaves a painful void and raises doubts about the future of late-night television.

The world of late-night television was rocked last week when ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, would be stepping away from his show, ending more than two decades at the network.

While speculation immediately swirled about whether Kimmel left voluntarily or was pushed due to creative and political clashes, one of the first—and loudest—voices to respond was Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show on CBS, who used his Thursday monologue to deliver a blend of sharp humor, heartfelt reflection, and pointed critique that has set Hollywood buzzing.

Standing before a packed audience at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Colbert opened with a biting one-liner that instantly lit up social media: “If ABC thought Jimmy Kimmel was too political, wait until they meet the next generation of hosts.

” The line, dripping with sarcasm, was followed by laughter and applause, but Colbert’s tone quickly shifted to something more serious as he addressed the significance of Kimmel’s departure.

“Jimmy was one of the few who could tell the truth—with a laugh,” Colbert said.

“That’s a rare gift in this business, and it’s not something you can just replace with a younger face or a new format.”

ABC’s official statement praised Kimmel for his “immeasurable contributions” and “unforgettable moments” over the years, but notably left out details about why he was leaving.

Behind the scenes, insiders have whispered for months about mounting tensions between Kimmel and ABC executives, particularly as Kimmel leaned harder into political commentary and social issues.

From fiery monologues on gun violence to emotional pleas for healthcare reform, Kimmel often blurred the line between comedy and activism, a style that earned him devoted fans but also critics who accused him of alienating parts of ABC’s audience.

Colbert, who has himself faced criticism for leaning into political satire, couldn’t resist poking at the controversy.

“If networks are scared of politics in late-night,” he quipped, “then they’re going to have a real hard time finding someone who can just tell knock-knock jokes for an hour every night.

” The remark drew loud cheers, underscoring how deeply Colbert’s audience resonated with the defense of Kimmel’s unapologetic style.

The CBS host also shared a personal anecdote about a conversation he once had with Kimmel backstage at the Emmys.

“Jimmy told me, ‘We’re all just renting these jobs until the networks decide they want a cooking show instead.’ I laughed at the time, but maybe he was right.

Maybe ABC just decided the future of entertainment is game shows and reality TV.”

Kimmel, whose show began in 2003 as a scrappy, unpredictable entry into late-night, went on to become a cultural institution.

His viral pranks, emotional speeches, and celebrity interviews earned him a loyal following and cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile hosts in television.

His absence now leaves a major gap in ABC’s programming, with no official successor announced.

Rumors have already begun swirling about possible replacements, from former Daily Show star Trevor Noah to comedian Amber Ruffin, though the network has remained silent.

Meanwhile, speculation about Kimmel’s own future is growing just as fast.

Colbert fanned those flames during his broadcast, warning his audience not to assume Kimmel was retiring.

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

“He’ll be back—maybe on Netflix, maybe on a podcast, maybe running for mayor of Las Vegas.

Who knows?” The comment drew laughter but also fueled rumors that Kimmel may already be in talks with streaming platforms eager to capitalize on his brand of comedy.

Colbert ended his monologue with a mix of sincerity and mischief.

“Jimmy, if you’re watching, thank you for everything you gave us.

If you’re not watching, then I’ve just been talking to myself on CBS again, which is not unusual.”

The moment captured both the camaraderie and competition that have long defined the late-night world, a small circle of hosts who are rivals on paper but often publicly supportive of one another in times of change.

For ABC, the fallout is just beginning.

Industry analysts note that late-night television has already been losing younger viewers to streaming and social media, raising questions about whether networks like ABC can even sustain traditional talk shows in the years ahead.

Colbert’s remarks, fiery as they were, highlight the bigger crisis facing the industry: whether late-night can adapt or if it will fade into nostalgia as audiences migrate elsewhere.

As fans mourn the end of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and insiders debate whether ABC made a fatal mistake, Colbert’s words continue to echo across Hollywood.

Was Kimmel forced out for being too bold, too political, too risky? Or is this simply the natural end to one of television’s most storied runs? Whatever the truth, the drama has only just begun, and all eyes are on both ABC and Jimmy Kimmel to see what shocking move comes next.