Studying Time: 3 minutes
We’re simply hours away from Stephen Colbert’s closing episode of The Late Present, and followers and mates 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 good friend 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 trend, 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 closing broadcast out of respect for his good friend and the employees behind The Late Present.
“We will likely be off tomorrow evening out of respect for our colleague and good friend Stephen Colbert, and the writers, producers, and employees and crew at The Late Present, whose closing present on CBS airs reverse ours,” Kimmel mentioned.
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 mentioned.
“I hope the individuals who did the pushing really feel ashamed of themselves tonight — though I do know they in all probability gained’t.”
Kimmel went on to reward Colbert and the Late Present writers and producers, celebrating what they achieved over the previous 11 years whereas emphasizing that there was by no means any actual dangerous blood between the 2 exhibits.
“I believe it’s most necessary to congratulate Stephen and the workforce at The Late Present for all the nice work during the last 11 years — and all the nice work they may proceed to do in different venues, I’ve little doubt,” he mentioned.
“Everybody at that present has at all times been very gracious to us. We by no means felt like we have been competing in opposition to them. It was nothing just like the previous 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 try this once more. I hope he comes to go to as many occasions as potential.”
Then got here Jimmy’s digs on the Trump-friendly bigwigs at CBS’ mum or dad 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 will likely be watching tomorrow evening. I hope that these of you who watch our present will 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 just lately introduced that The Late Present would get replaced by Comics Unleashed, the long-running stand-up clip collection 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 prone 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 dangerous 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 — no less than publicly.
In an exit interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colbert mirrored on the tip of his late-night run.
“We’re all massive boys. I acquired to do that for 21 years. What’s there to complain about, actually?” he mentioned. “I knew that the present needed to finish at a while. I didn’t count on it to finish this manner. However my employees are the one individuals I’m anxious about.”
After greater than a decade behind The Late Present desk, Colbert’s closing visitor lineup stays below wraps.
However one factor appears sure: Kimmel — and hundreds of thousands of different followers — will likely be watching.
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