In a candid interview with Variety, Emmy-winning host and producer Jimmy Kimmel addressed industry misconceptions about late-night television’s decline and the viability of his own shows. Kimmel, 57, expressed frustration with the widespread misinformation and defended his industry as a resilient and evolving entity.
Kimmel began by calling out the false narrative that late-night television is dead, citing its growing online presence and streaming numbers. He noted that popular shows like “The Daily Show” and Seth Meyers’ monologues still attract significant audiences. The host also shared an anecdote about his own game show hosting experience, where he won an Emmy with co-host Ben Stein.
However, Kimmel’s most scathing critique targeted the FCC’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger, which many saw as a “bend[ing] the knee” to the Trump administration. He condemned the media’s focus on advertising revenue and affiliate fees, suggesting that this narrow perspective overlooks the true business of television.
Kimmel’s defense of late-night television extended to his friend and fellow host Stephen Colbert, whom he believes is deserving of an Emmy nomination for his show. When asked about Colbert’s reported losses of $40 million per year, Kimmel dismissed the figure as “beyond nonsensical.” He pointed out that affiliate fees and revenue from streaming platforms far outweigh this perceived loss.
Kimmel also touched on his own experiences with industry politics, including the controversy surrounding the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The host expressed his admiration for Colbert’s moral compass and emphasized the importance of protecting free speech. Kimmel concluded by saying that if Trump is getting booed at WWE events, it signals a shift in public opinion, suggesting that Americans are starting to catch on.
Throughout the interview, Kimmel demonstrated a deep understanding of television economics and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. As he jokingly noted, “You don’t need an MBA to figure this stuff out,” his candor and humor make for an engaging watch.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/awards/jimmy-kimmel-defends-colbert-late-night-tv-not-dying-1236479160