Former host of the “Late Show,” Stephen Colbert, made a return to late-night TV as a guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following his recent Emmy win. This marked his first appearance since CBS canceled his show earlier this year. Colbert received a warm reception from the audience, with Kimmel jokingly comparing him to a shark returning to familiar waters.
During the interview, Kimmel observed that Colbert appeared happier and healthier now that he was no longer immersed in the daily news cycle. Colbert expressed relief at no longer having to endure the nightly “poison” of news consumption, describing stepping away from that routine as a positive change.
While Kimmel briefly mentioned U.S. President Donald Trump and the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of “The Late Show,” the interview itself steered clear of extensive political commentary. Instead, viewers saw a relaxed and playful Colbert, focusing on comedy rather than political topics that had dominated his previous late-night tenure.
Colbert and Kimmel reminisced about past Emmy celebrations and shared light-hearted banter. The conversation veered towards Colbert’s beard, with him joking about his wife’s dislike for it affecting their kisses. Kimmel jokingly offered to shave Colbert’s beard on air after his Emmy win, to which Colbert agreed.
Apart from discussing his beard and his Emmy win, Colbert mentioned a film project he is working on with his son, involving the “Lord of the Rings” franchise. He did not reveal any new television projects, humorously referencing his newfound free time and freedom to travel without nightly hosting duties.
The interview concluded with Colbert presenting Kimmel with a prop Captain America shield, which Kimmel immediately incorporated into his set. After years of satirizing political events, Colbert seemed content to take a break from the spotlight and enjoy being a guest rather than the host.
CBS had announced the cancellation of “The Late Show” last summer, citing financial reasons for the decision. However, skepticism arose due to the timing of the announcement, which followed Colbert’s public criticism of parent company Paramount Global for settling a lawsuit with President Trump. Many suspected a political motive behind the show’s cancellation.