Studying Time: 3 minutes
We’re simply hours away from Stephen Colbert’s remaining episode of The Late Present, and followers and buddies are eagerly paying tribute to the beloved comedian.
As we beforehand reported, CBS determined to cancel Colbert’s present in a shock transfer that many consider to be politically motivated.
No stranger to political controversy himself, Colbert’s longtime buddy and fellow late evening host Jimmy Kimmel used his platform to deal with the state of affairs final evening.
Throughout his monologue, Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute to his colleague whereas additionally taking a really public shot at CBS.
And, in true Kimmel style, he managed to sneak in a joke that was solely half-joking.
The ABC host started by asserting his present wouldn’t air reverse Colbert’s remaining broadcast out of respect for his buddy and the employees behind The Late Present.
“We might be off tomorrow evening out of respect for our colleague and buddy Stephen Colbert, and the writers, producers, and employees and crew at The Late Present, whose remaining present on CBS airs reverse ours,” Kimmel stated.
However whereas the gesture was gracious, Kimmel additionally made it abundantly clear that he’s nonetheless not over CBS pulling the plug on Colbert’s program.
“I believe you understand how I really feel about the truth that they’re being pushed out,” Kimmel stated.
“I hope the individuals who did the pushing really feel ashamed of themselves tonight — though I do know they most likely gained’t.”
Kimmel went on to reward Colbert and the Late Present writers and producers, celebrating what they completed over the previous 11 years whereas emphasizing that there was by no means any actual unhealthy blood between the 2 reveals.
“I believe it’s most vital to congratulate Stephen and the workforce at The Late Present for all the good work over the past 11 years — and all the good work they are going to proceed to do in different venues, I’ve little question,” he stated.
“Everybody at that present has at all times been very gracious to us. We by no means felt like we had been competing towards them. It was nothing just like the outdated days of late-night. I at all times cherished being on Stephen’s present. I cherished having him on ours. I hope we’re ready to do this once more. I hope he comes to go to as many instances as potential.”
Then got here Jimmy’s digs on the Trump-friendly bigwigs at CBS’ mother or father firm, Paramount.
“On behalf of everybody at our present, we wish to say to everybody at your present: It has been a pleasure to work alongside you,” Kimmel concluded.
“I might be watching tomorrow evening. I hope that these of you who watch our present may even tune in to CBS for the final time. Don’t ever watch it once more. However watch tomorrow evening to want Stephen a fond farewell.”
CBS not too long ago introduced that The Late Present would get replaced by Comics Unleashed, the long-running stand-up clip sequence created by Byron Allen.
Earlier this month, Kimmel additionally mocked the choice throughout his annual roast on the broadcast upfronts.
“As you understand, CBS is popping 11:35 p.m. right into a time slot least more likely to offend the President with a rerun of Comics Unleashed from 2007 that includes Paula Poundstone and Andy Dick,” Kimmel joked.
“Poor Stephen. It’s unhealthy sufficient to lose your job. Think about getting changed by the proprietor of the Climate Channel.”
As for Colbert, the longtime host seems to be attempting to maintain issues in perspective — a minimum of publicly.
In an exit interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colbert mirrored on the tip of his late-night run.
“We’re all large boys. I bought to do that for 21 years. What’s there to complain about, actually?” he stated. “I knew that the present needed to finish at a while. I didn’t anticipate it to finish this fashion. However my employees are the one folks I’m frightened about.”
After greater than a decade behind The Late Present desk, Colbert’s remaining visitor lineup stays beneath wraps.
However one factor appears sure: Kimmel — and thousands and thousands of different followers — might be watching.