Stephen Colbert Quips He’s the “Only Martyr in Late Night” After Jimmy Kimmel’s Return
Stephen Colbert is poking fun at his late-night “martyrdom” after ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has been lifted. On Monday (September 22), ahead of The Late Show, Colbert posted a preview clip on Instagram, joking, “This martyrdom ain’t big enough for the both of us!”
Kimmel had been suspended indefinitely on Wednesday (September 17) following comments he made about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on his show. The suspension came after Nexstar, a major station group, chose to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 32 ABC affiliate stations.
At the start of Monday’s show, Colbert shared the news with his audience. “Just a few hours before we taped this broadcast, we got word that our long, national late-nightmare is over,” he said. “Because Disney announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air on ABC tomorrow, Tuesday night. Come on!”
Colbert, holding his recent Emmy, added, “Now that Jimmy’s not being canceled, I get to enjoy this again! Once more, I’m the only martyr in late nights.” He then turned to the camera and quipped about CBS, “Unless, CBS, you want to announce anything? Still no? Right, because of the money thing, I forgot.”
CBS had canceled The Late Show back in July, with the final episode set for May 2026, citing only financial reasons.
Colbert also joked about why Disney reversed its decision. “After Kimmel was suspended, Google searches for ‘cancel Disney Plus’ and ‘cancel Hulu’ spiked, which, explains why the other trending search was ‘how to entertain feral child without Bluey?’”
He continued, “So Disney put Kimmel back on because you, the American people, were upset. But not just people, also Ted Cruz, one of the conservatives who were outraged by the administration’s attack on free speech.”
Colbert referenced comments from Ted Cruz on his podcast Verdict with Ted Cruz from September 19. Cruz described a warning from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr about taking action against Kimmel. “That’s right out of Goodfellas,” Cruz said, comparing it to a mafioso threat. Colbert responded, “Wow, I gotta say, I am shocked that I agree with Ted Cruz on something.”
Colbert’s mix of humor and commentary highlighted the unusual drama surrounding Kimmel’s suspension and return. His playful “martyr” claim keeps late-night viewers entertained while addressing the news.
What do you think about Colbert’s take on the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
