Stephen Colbert made a rare virtual appearance to support Jimmy Kimmel for an Emmy, three months after CBS canceled his late-night show, while accepting Television Critics Association awards for his former program and a career achievement honor.
Stephen Colbert, 62, emerged from a post-“Late Show” hiatus to lend his support to Jimmy Kimmel during the Emmy Awards, appearing in a video message urging voters to back Kimmel’s show. The move came as Colbert himself accepted two Television Critics Association (TCA) awards for his former CBS program, which aired its final episode in May after CBS canceled the show. The network has said the move was a financial decision and denied speculation that it was politically motivated due to Colbert’s frequent criticism of President Donald Trump.
Colbert’s Rare Support for Kimmel
Colbert’s appearance, shared on Instagram, was a rare public moment for the comedian, who has largely kept a low profile since The Late Show ended. In the video, he jokingly claimed to be at the end of the world
while perched at an ocean overlook, urging voters to support Kimmel’s show for Outstanding Variety Series. I don’t care if you’ve never even seen his show. You know he deserves an Emmy,
Colbert said, calling Kimmel “cute” and highlighting his long-standing rivalry with Trump. Kimmel, who had previously backed Colbert during his own Emmy race, faced renewed scrutiny after a suspension linked to his criticism of the MAGA movement.
The Emmy race for Outstanding Variety Series included Colbert’s The Late Show, which earned nine nominations, and Kimmel’s show, with nominees judged individually. Voters were asked if nominees “merit an Emmy,” with winners needing at least 90% “yes” votes. Colbert’s own show had previously received nine Emmy nods, the most of his 11-year tenure.
The TCA Awards: A Bittersweet Farewell
Colbert’s career achievement award included a surreal acceptance scene filmed in an empty bathtub, where he wore a bowtie and blazer. I thought I would class things up a little bit,
he joked, adding, I was mostly just trying to have a good time with my friends.
The TCA’s recognition of his work contrasted with CBS’s decision to cut the show, which the network attributed to financial reasons.
Kimmel’s Return and Political Fallout
Kimmel’s recent return to ABC followed a brief suspension after comments about the MAGA movement’s response to the murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The comedian faced pressure from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who criticized his monologue on a right-wing podcast. ABC initially pulled the show “indefinitely,” but relented after Disney’s intervention. Kimmel’s return was marked by jokes about the “authoritarian” climate in the U.S., with the host quipping, Even the Germans are like, ‘Come here.’
Kimmel also addressed the controversy surrounding his suspension, calling for forgiveness after Erika Kirk forgave the man who killed her husband. That is an example we should follow,
he said, linking the act to his own faith. The incident underscored the broader tension between late-night hosts and political figures, with Kimmel later mocking Trump’s attempts to “cancel” him, noting, He forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.
What Comes Next for Colbert and Kimmel?
Colbert has largely avoided publicizing his post-“Late Show” plans, though it was announced prior to the end of The Late Show that he would be writing a new Lord of the Rings
movie with his son. His recent appearances, including a guest spot on a Michigan public access show, suggest a return to lower-profile projects. Kimmel, meanwhile, faces ongoing scrutiny from Trump and MAGA allies, who continue to target him for his comedy. The Emmy race and TCA honors highlight the enduring influence of both hosts, even as their platforms shift.
For Colbert, the TCA awards served as a final nod to his legacy, while Kimmel’s Emmy support underscored the mutual respect between the two comedians. As both navigate the aftermath of their network transitions, their stories reflect the evolving landscape of late-night television and its intersection with politics.
