Jimmy Kimmel says late-night TV is not “dying,” calls cancellation “defeating”

Jimmy Kimmel discusses the future of late-night television in an interview with Vulture, reacting to the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s CBS program, “The Late Show.” Kimmel says he “felt defeated” by Colbert’s ending, and frames his concerns about the genre’s trajectory as more than a straightforward decline in interest. He argues that late-night viewing remains substantial, pointing to audience figures drawn from online views for programs like his and those of other hosts. Kimmel also uses a strong metaphor to challenge the idea that late-night is naturally fading, saying, “We’re not just dying of natural causes: we’re being poisoned.” The remarks come alongside references to his own interactions with political figures, including mention of prior disputes that led to a suspension tied to comments he made. Across the reporting, both outlets attribute the comments to Kimmel’s interview and link them directly to Colbert’s cancellation and his view that the genre continues to draw large audiences, particularly via digital platforms.