Jimmy Kimmel Fires Back at CBS Over Colbert’s Exit
Alright, I guess I can simplify this for you. When Stephen Colbert announced that his decade-long run on The Late Show will conclude in 2026, Jimmy Kimmel didn’t just sigh in solidarity—he unleashed a profanity-packed Instagram post aimed squarely at CBS. Kimmel’s brief but fiery message read, “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS,” a pointed jab at the network’s reliance on The Big Bang Theory and its spinoff Young Sheldon. His public outburst arrived almost immediately after CBS confirmed in a terse statement that Colbert’s exit is “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
You probably should already know this, but let’s break down why this is making headlines. Colbert took over The Late Show in 2015, succeeding David Letterman’s more than 20-year tenure. Over ten seasons, he built a devoted late-night audience with his trademark mix of political wit and cultural commentary. Now, as he prepares to sign off, the network chalks this move up to budget cuts rather than creative differences or ratings issues. That detail alone has insiders buzzing.
Timing plays a starring role in this drama. Just days before CBS announced the end of The Late Show, Colbert publicly criticized Paramount Global’s decision to settle Donald Trump’s lawsuit over an edited Kamala Harris interview on 60 Minutes for a whopping $16 million. He branded that payout “a big fat bribe” aimed at greasing the wheels of a pending multibillion-dollar sale to Skydance. Yet, in his farewell monologue, Colbert made a point of expressing gratitude to the show’s band, its 200 staffers, and the viewers who tuned in every night—rather than lodging any complaints against CBS or Paramount Global.
Kimmel’s Instagram outburst underscores the solidarity among late-night hosts when one of their own faces unexpected network decisions. It also highlights lingering frustration over how major media conglomerates prioritize finances over talent. Since Late Show’s performance has remained strong, skeptics are questioning whether cost-cutting was really the only motive. Will CBS rethink its stance if public pressure mounts? And how will Colbert transition to his next venture once the final curtain falls in 2026?
You’ve now got the full picture: network budget woes, celebrity solidarity, and behind-the-scenes power plays. Expect more heat as the countdown to Colbert’s final episode continues—and maybe a few more expletives from Kimmel if CBS doesn’t change course. Well, now you finally understand!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, CBS
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
