Late-Night TV Gets Wild: Kimmel's Suspension and Colbert's Show Ending

If you thought late-night television was just for winding down, think again! Recent weeks have shown that behind the smiles and desk jokes, a lot can happen. Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, two titans of the late-night world, found themselves smack in the middle of some truly wild situations. We are talking about sudden show suspensions and unexpected cancellations. Both hosts sat down to share their stories, giving us a peek behind the curtain of their television careers. It turns out, even TV stars face phone calls from executives in the bathroom.

Jimmy Kimmel's Shocking Call From ABC Executives

Imagine this: you are Jimmy Kimmel, a popular late-night host. Your audience is already in their seats, a guest chef is cooking, and the musical act has warmed up. Then, the phone rings. It is ABC executives, and they want to talk. This exact scene played out for Kimmel just an hour and a half before his show was set to tape. He was in his office, typing, when the call came.

"This is unusual," Kimmel told Stephen Colbert on "The Late Show." "They, as far as I knew, didn’t even know I was doing a show previous to this." With five writers in his office, Kimmel’s only private spot was the bathroom. So, into the bathroom he went. On the phone, the executives shared some stunning news. They said, "Listen, we want to take the temperature down. We’re concerned about what you’re going to say tonight, and we decided that the best route is to take the show off the air."

The Unexpected Silence and Kimmel's Initial Despair

Kimmel tried to argue, saying, "I don’t think that’s a good idea." But ABC executives disagreed, stating, "Well, we think it’s a good idea." After a quick vote, Kimmel lost. He then had to deliver the news to his executive producers, turning visibly pale. He recalled thinking, "That’s it. It’s over, it’s over. I was like, I’m never coming back on the air."

The immediate aftermath was a flurry of activity. The seated audience had to be sent home. Chef Christian Petroni’s meatballs and polenta, which he had been cooking all day, went to waste. Musical guest Howard Jones, however, did record a song for a future episode: "Things Can Only Get Better." Kimmel acknowledged the irony in that choice.

The Controversial Monologue and Broader Implications for ABC

ABC suspended Kimmel’s show in mid-September after a controversial monologue. This segment mentioned Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer and the right-wing reaction to Kirk’s murder. Following this, FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to pull ABC affiliate broadcast licenses. Nexstar, which airs "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in many markets, announced they would not air the show. Sinclair, another affiliate, followed. Hours later, Kimmel received that fateful call in the bathroom.

Kimmel eventually returned to the air the following Tuesday. His emotional monologue drew huge ratings, showing audiences were ready for his return.

Stephen Colbert's Journey Through His Show's Cancellation

Kimmel’s appearance on Colbert’s show also gave Colbert a chance to share his own recent experience. He revealed that CBS executives decided to end his show while he was on vacation. His manager, James Dixon, who also works with Kimmel, waited until Colbert returned home to deliver the news.

Colbert explained that after a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with his manager, he walked into his apartment. His wife, who did not know about the meeting’s topic, jokingly asked, "What happened, did you get canceled?" Colbert replied, "Yes I did."

Telling the Audience Was Harder Than Expected

Colbert wanted to tell his audience immediately. He asked them to remain in their seats for one more segment at the end of the next show. However, delivering the news proved difficult. He struggled with his lines, flubbing them twice.

"I was so nervous about doing it right," Colbert explained, "cause there was nothing in the prompter. I was just speaking off the cuff." The audience, thinking it was a joke, started cheering him on. "They started going, ‘Come on Stephen, you can do it,’ because I always messed up on the sentence that told them what was happening. And then I got to the sentence that actually told them what’s happening, and they didn’t laugh."

The "Business Decision" and Political Speculations

CBS owner Paramount stated that "The Late Show" cancellation was strictly a business decision. However, many media critics, including Kimmel, questioned this. Some believed it was a political move to appease the Trump administration. This approval was needed for Paramount’s merger with Skydance. Both Colbert and Kimmel have been outspoken critics of President Donald Trump and his administration.

Late-Night Hosts Unite and Jab at Donald Trump

On Tuesday, Kimmel and Colbert not only discussed their experiences but also appeared as guests on each other’s shows. Seth Meyers also made a brief appearance on Kimmel's show, creating a unique moment in late-night television. This cross-network event was seen as a show of solidarity and a way to address the recent shake-ups.

Trading Jokes and Taking Aim at the Former President

Kimmel introduced Colbert as "The Emmy-winning late-night talk show host who, thanks to the Trump administration, is now available for a limited-time only." Kimmel also joked with Colbert that Tuesday’s taping was "The show the FCC doesn’t want you to see."

Colbert asked Kimmel if his younger self, working as a radio DJ, could have ever imagined the President of the United States celebrating his unemployment. Kimmel responded, "I mean, that son of a b—tch. No, I never imagined that we’d ever have a president like this, and I hope we don’t ever have another president like this again." He added, "I never even imagined there would ever be a situation in which the president of our country was celebrating hundreds of Americans losing their jobs. But somebody who took pleasure in that, that to me is the absolute opposite of what a leader of this country is supposed to be."

Trump publicly celebrated when Colbert was canceled and also when Kimmel was pulled off the air. He even criticized and threatened ABC when they brought Kimmel back. Kimmel posted a photograph of himself, Colbert, and Meyers on Instagram with the caption: "Hi Donald!"

The Aftermath and the Path Forward for Late-Night TV

Kimmel’s suspension came with its own share of drama beyond the studio. He recounted being followed home by 20 paparazzi cars and two helicopters. His family was "shaken" by the events, especially with two children at home. Kimmel compared the silent days following the suspension to "a DUI in L.A., three days in jail where I couldn’t say anything." He received calls from "literally everyone I have ever met," including a text from James Taylor, who also reached out to Colbert after his cancellation.

The shared manager, James Dixon, played a significant role for both hosts. He delivered the difficult news to Colbert while making sure not to ruin his vacation. His efforts underscore the close relationships in the late-night world.

Both Kimmel and Colbert agreed they now appreciate being on late-night television even more after their recent experiences. Their joint appearance highlighted a sense of camaraderie and resilience among late-night hosts. Despite the challenges and political pressures, they continue to bring their voices and humor to audiences, proving that late-night TV, even when chaotic, always finds a way forward.

What's Next for These Beloved Late-Night Personalities?

The events surrounding Kimmel's suspension and Colbert's cancellation certainly made headlines. They showed a unique moment for late-night programming. While "The Late Show" is set to run through the spring of 2026, the discussion around its ending continues. Kimmel, back on air, keeps his political commentary sharp. These hosts have proved they can navigate tough situations. They continue to entertain audiences. Their dedication to speaking their minds remains a central aspect of their shows.

It seems the world of late-night television will always keep us on our toes. With hosts like Kimmel and Colbert at the forefront, there is no telling what surprises await. Their shared experience is a reminder that even in the brightest spotlights, unexpected turns can happen.