Stephen Colbert urges Emmy voters to pick Jimmy Kimmel over his own show
Stephen Colbert, whose canceled "Late Show" is nominated for Outstanding Variety Series at the 2026 Emmys, released a video urging voters to choose Jimmy Kimmel instead. The plea drew criticism from media watchdogs who called it emblematic of late-night comedy's partisan turn.
Stephen Colbert, who signed off from "The Late Show" in May, has publicly urged Emmy voters to give the Outstanding Variety Series award to Jimmy Kimmel rather than his own since-canceled program. In a brief video posted to social media, a bearded Colbert sat in a chair atop a cliff overlooking a large body of water and made the case for his longtime friend and fellow late-night host.
"Oh, hi, Stephen Colbert here at the end of the world. You know, there is 24 hours in Emmy voting, and if you're anything like me, you haven't even started yet. So, let's get going," Colbert said. He then turned to the Outstanding Variety Series category, which includes "The Late Show," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," "The Daily Show" and "Saturday Night Live."
"I think we can all agree that Jimmy Kimmel deserves an Emmy. I don't care if you've never even seen his show, you know he deserves an Emmy," Colbert continued while showing an image of Kimmel on his tablet. "Besides, look how cute he is. Anyway, please consider thinking that Jimmy deserves an Emmy. I do. I love you."
The gesture extends a well-documented mutual admiration between the two hosts, who have appeared on each other's programs and publicly praised one another for years. Kimmel notably went dark during Colbert's final episode and urged his own audience to tune in to CBS for the farewell broadcast. "I will be watching tomorrow night. I hope that those of you who watch our show will also tune in to CBS for the last time. Don't ever watch it again," Kimmel said on the eve of Colbert's sendoff.
Colbert's plea drew sharp criticism from media observers. Curtis Houck, managing editor of NewsBusters, called the video "beyond pathetic and embarrassing." He added: "It's a perfect reminder of how this is such a club that only seeks to further their partisan, fun house mirrors world that's all-Trump hate, all the time. These are two of the people most responsible for the decline in network comedy and why no one should take the profession seriously without sweeping changes."
The cancellation of "The Late Show," announced by CBS in 2025, sparked a national debate. Colbert's liberal defenders accused the network of pulling him off the air for political reasons, while CBS maintained the decision was purely financial. Reports at the time indicated the show was losing the network approximately $40 million per year. Colbert openly rejected the network's explanation on air, defying his corporate bosses.
The announcement came just days after CBS parent company Paramount settled President Donald Trump's "60 Minutes" lawsuit. Shortly afterward, Trump's FCC approved Paramount's multibillion-dollar merger with Skydance Media, run by David Ellison, son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison.
Kimmel, who has publicly attacked CBS for canceling Colbert's show, has followed a similar comedic approach by mocking Trump on a nightly basis. The ABC host has faced his own controversies, including a brief suspension by Disney after remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk that sparked outrage. ABC said the show would be preempted indefinitely, though Kimmel returned days later and insisted he never intended to make light of Kirk's death.
Months later, Kimmel drew renewed criticism over an "expectant widow" joke about first lady Melania Trump that went viral after the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. The poorly received joke led both the president and first lady to call for ABC to act.
Emmy voting is currently underway, with winners scheduled to be announced at the 2026 ceremony.
