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Late Show

Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert weigh in on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor September 19, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Late Night Under Fire: Stewart and Colbert Respond to Kimmel ⁢Suspension ⁢& “The⁤ Late Show” Hiatus

recent events in late-night⁤ television – ‌the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show on ABC and the announced hiatus of Stephen Colbert’s “The Late⁢ Show” – have sparked a debate⁤ over political pressure and free speech, drawing commentary from veteran comedians‌ Jon Stewart and David Letterman.

The suspension of Kimmel followed comments made during⁤ his Monday night monologue regarding the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC took Kimmel ⁣off the air Wednesday, a ‍decision ⁤quickly criticized as capitulation to political pressure.The Federal⁣ Communications Commission (FCC) is now facing potential action from Commissioner Nathan Carr, who suggested Disney, ABC’s parent company, either address Kimmel’s comments or face further scrutiny.⁤ Former President Donald Trump ⁤celebrated the suspension on his Truth Social platform, incorrectly stating the show was “cancelled.”

Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” is currently on hiatus, ‌with⁢ a scheduled return following the November 2024 presidential election. ⁤Kelly, a previous guest, last appeared on the ⁢show last year discussing border security and gun reform.

David Letterman,who previously hosted ”The Late Show” on CBS,described ⁣the situation as “misery” during a panel conversation moderated by The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg. He directly linked the events to political pressure, ‌stating, “You‌ can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian – a criminal -⁣ management in the ‍Oval office.” Letterman noted that during his three decades in late night, he never experienced‍ government interference ⁤in his comedic critiques of presidents.

While Kimmel has not publicly commented on his show’s suspension,actress Jean Smart,who plays a fictional late-night⁣ host on the HBO Max series “Hacks,” voiced strong support for Kimmel on‍ Instagram,stating his comments were “FREE speech,not hate speech.”‍ She also‍ expressed dismay over Kirk’s death, irrespective of political affiliation, ‌and questioned the direction of the contry.

September 19, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

David Letterman Blasts CBS, Questions ‘Late Show’ Cancellation Motives

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor July 26, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

<a href= — David Letterman speaks during the taping of the “Vax Live” fundraising concert at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on May 2, 2021.

VALERIE MACON,AFP via Getty Images

david Letterman has voiced skepticism regarding the stated reasons for the cancellation of “The Late Show,” suggesting that financial motivations may not be the sole or primary driver behind the decision.

Letterman questioned the timing of the cancellation, implying that the financial losses cited might have been ongoing for a considerable period. “You’re telling me losing this kind of money happened yesterday?” he asked. “I bet they were losing this kind of money a month ago. I’ll bet they were losing this kind of money six weeks ago, or they have never been losing money.”

He further cast doubt on the financial health of CBS News, noting its continued operation. “Take a look at the CBS news. It’s still in business, and I’m not certain that that’s a profit centre,” he commented.

What Letterman said before:

The ex-host’s subtle jab at CBS amid Colbert ‘Late Show’ cancellation

‘We’ve all got to kiss Stephen Colbert’s ring’

While expressing admiration for Stephen Colbert’s work on “The Late Show,” Letterman criticized Paramount’s handling of its talent. “They did not do the correct thing. They did not handle Stephen Colbert, the face of that network, in the way he deserves to have been handled,” he stated.

Letterman predicted that those responsible for the decision would eventually face repercussions. “one day, if not today, the people

July 26, 2025 0 comments

World

Colbert’s ‘Gloves Off’ After Late Show Cancelation-Trump Attacks, Fellow Hosts Show Support

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 22, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

New york,NY – Protests erupted outside the ed Sullivan Theater as news spread of CBS‘s decision to cancel “The Late Show.” Demonstrators voiced their opposition to the network’s move, with many expressing support for host Stephen colbert.

The cancellation, which has drawn criticism from Democrats and Trump critics alike, prompted a strong reaction from the public.Protesters were seen carrying signs and chanting slogans such as “Trump must go, Colbert must stay,” highlighting the political undertones of the demonstration.

Stephen Colbert himself addressed the situation during his monologue, acknowledging the widespread backlash and the numerous threats of network boycotts. He humorously remarked on the potential financial impact, stating, “CBS could lose millions of viewers plus tens of hundreds watching on Paramount Plus.”

The controversy surrounding the cancellation has ignited a broader conversation about the role of late-night television in political discourse and the potential consequences for networks that make such programming decisions.

Joaquin Phoenix Explains Reason Behind Awkward Letterman Interview

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor July 17, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Joaquin Phoenix reflects on Infamous “I’m Still Here” Letterman Appearance, Calls it “Horrible”

Joaquin Phoenix recently revisited his notoriously awkward 2009 appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” describing the experience as “horrible” and expressing regret.the actor, who was promoting his mockumentary “I’m Still Here” at the time, played a version of himself who had seemingly abandoned his acting career to pursue a rap music venture.

The film, “I’m Still Here,” depicted Phoenix’s supposed career shift, and his interview with Letterman became a widely discussed moment in late-night television history. During the segment, a disheveled Phoenix offered curt responses, appeared disengaged, and generally made the interview a challenging experience for Letterman, lasting a full eight minutes.

Phoenix explained to Stephen Colbert that his intention during the Letterman interview was to create a “dangerous” and unpredictable situation. He revealed that he had initially conducted a pre-interview in character but decided to proceed with the “whole thing” for the actual broadcast,wanting Letterman to “lacerate” him. His goal, he stated, was to elicit a specific reaction and observe his own response to it, a strategy he admitted was beneficial for no one to know in advance.

Looking back, Phoenix characterized the television moment as “horrible” and admitted, “I regret it, I’ll never do it again. I’m so sorry.” He even contemplated whether Letterman might be watching his current appearance and felt compelled to reiterate his apology.

This sentiment echoes his return to “The Late Show” in 2010, where he offered a form of apology to Letterman for the interview. At that time, Phoenix stated, “I hope I didn’t offend you in any way. You’ve interviewed many, many people, and I assumed that you would know the difference between a character and a real person, but I apologize.”

Reflecting on the duality of the experience, Phoenix told Colbert that while the interview was “one of the worst nights of my life,” it was also, in some ways, a “success.”

July 17, 2025 0 comments

Late Show

Late Night Under Fire: Stewart and Colbert Respond to Kimmel ⁢Suspension ⁢& “The⁤ Late Show” Hiatus

‘We’ve all got to kiss Stephen Colbert’s ring’

Further Reading