'Never Watch CBS Again': Jimmy Kimmel’s Advice Before Stephen Colbert Signs Off

Published 05/21/2026, 11:48 AM EDT

via Imago

As Stephen Colbert signed off from CBS for the very last time, host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a fiery monologue urging viewers not to return to CBS. The curtain officially comes down on a late-night television institution today, sending shockwaves throughout the entire entertainment industry. This explosive television moment marks the dramatic conclusion of a beloved broadcasting staple and ignites a passionate conversation about network politics.

The abrupt conclusion of this top-rated program has united late-night hosts in a rare display of public solidarity.

Jimmy Kimmel's strong advice on Stephen Colbert’s exit

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Jimmy Kimmel gave some heartfelt advice to his viewing audience on the eve of his friend and late-night rival Stephen Colbert's final broadcast during Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The ABC host urged his loyal fans to tune in for the emotional farewell episode before completely abandoning the CBS network. He announced that his own program would remain off the air out of deep respect for the entire departing production staff.

“Don’t ever watch it again. But watch tomorrow night to wish Stephen a fond farewell”, said Kimmel. The broadcast host openly expressed his frustration regarding the corporate decisions that forced the highly successful team off the airwaves.

"I think you know how I feel about the fact that they are being pushed out," Jimmy Kimmel noted during his opening monologue. He stated that he hoped the corporate executives responsible for the cancellation felt true shame for their actions.

Despite the competitive nature of television ratings, the relationship between the two hosts remained remarkably gracious and supportive over the years. Jimmy Kimmel emphasized that the modern era of late-night programming has completely rejected the hostile rivalries of the past.

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The historic departure marks the definitive end of an incredible broadcasting journey that redefined modern political satire.

The historic conclusion of a late-night empire

The historic run of the acclaimed program officially concludes on May 21, 2026, bringing a celebrated eleven-year broadcasting era to an end. The show originally premiered in September 2015 when the host took over the legendary franchise from David Letterman. The sudden wrap-up of the highly-rated series marks a significant milestone that many industry analysts consider the end of traditional late-night television.

The host originally brought his sharp political satire to the network after a highly successful run on Comedy Central. His memorable tenure at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater became known for its strong political focus and prominent cultural critiques. Over more than 1800 episodes, the veteran entertainer hosted an elite roster of political figures, cultural icons, and Hollywood stars.

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The network originally announced the cancellation of the massive franchise by citing financial reasons for ending the late-night property entirely. For the grand finale, a star-studded group of famous friends gathered to turn the tables on the host. The emotional final broadcast of Stephen Colbert signifies a massive cultural shift, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of political brilliance that his peers vow to honor by challenging the corporate decisions of the television industry.

10 Iconic 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' Moments That Will Forever Be Etched in Our Memories

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What do you think about Jimmy Kimmel's advise? Let us know in the comments.

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Soma Mitra

1322 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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