Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert appear on each other’s shows: The 5 best moments

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As a total late-night junkie, I was stoked to see something really fun happen on Tuesday! Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, two of my favorite hosts, actually appeared as guests on each other’s shows. It was a pretty unique crossover event, and I thought it was a clever move. #latenight definitely got a little more interesting!

The playful exchange was understandable, given that both talk show hosts have recently dealt with high-profile professional challenges with political and national implications – and both have been targets of criticism from President Trump. Having already voiced their support for each other on their programs, the two were now able to offer that same encouragement in person and with even greater impact.

Following the controversy surrounding Kimmel’s recent suspension – which stemmed from comments about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk – the host resumed his show and proceeded with plans to broadcast from Brooklyn for a week, featuring Colbert among a lineup of prominent guests. Colbert publicly backed Kimmel after ABC temporarily stopped airing his own talk show, calling the network’s move “blatant censorship.”

Television

Jimmy Kimmel was back on ABC’s late-night show Tuesday, and he spoke about the controversy surrounding his remarks about Charlie Kirk. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who has shown him support over the last week.

Jimmy Kimmel recently appeared on “The Late Show” with pop singer Sam Smith. Earlier this year, CBS announced that “The Late Show” would be canceled after the current season ends in May 2026. This means the end of Stephen Colbert’s time hosting the show, and also the close of a 30-year run for the late-night program itself. The company stated the decision was based on financial considerations, and not, as some suggested, due to Colbert’s criticism of an agreement between the Trump administration and Paramount-the parent company of CBS, which broadcasts “The Late Show”-regarding a 2024 “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Kimmel was among those who disapproved of the cancellation, and even campaigned for Colbert to win an Emmy, despite being nominated himself. (Colbert was ultimately the winner.)

Before Kimmel appeared on “The Late Show,” Colbert welcomed fellow late-night host Conan O’Brien as a guest on Monday. O’Brien started the conversation by asking, “Stephen, how’s late night going? I haven’t been involved for a while-can you fill me in on what’s been happening?”

“I’ll send you the obituary,” Colbert replied.

Here are five standout moments from the night of shared grievances.

Colbert says he ‘sweat through his shirt’ the day he told his staff ’The Late Show’ was canceled

In his first interview since “The Late Show” ended, Colbert explained to Kimmel how he found out the show was canceled. He said their shared manager, James Dixon, told him the news right after filming on July 16th. Colbert arrived home to his wife, Evie McGee-Colbert, about two and a half hours later. According to Colbert, as he walked in, his wife immediately asked, “What happened? Did you get canceled?”

Dixon had known for a week, but he didn’t want to tell Colbert, who was on vacation. After finding out the show was ending, Colbert wasn’t sure when he should inform his team, considering waiting until after the summer or in September. However, his wife encouraged him to tell them the very next day.

He explained, “We entered the building, and I took the elevator, walking through the offices. By the time I reached my own office, I was soaked with sweat because I didn’t want my staff to be kept in the dark. I had planned to tell them today, but if I did, we wouldn’t be able to put on the show-everyone, including me, would be too upset.”

Initially, he only shared the news with executive producer Tom Purcell. He completed the entire show. Afterwards, he requested the audience and crew to remain for an additional performance so he could capture the announcement on record.

“My stage manager goes, ‘Oh no, we’re done, Steve, we’re done.’ And I said, ‘nope, there’s one more act of the show. Please don’t let the audience leave.’ And he goes, ‘No, boss, no. Boss. I got that. I got the thing here. We’ve done everything.’ And I said, ‘I’m aware of that. And I’m here to tell you there’s one more act of the show,’” he explained. “So I went backstage, I said, ‘Everybody, get on Zoom.’ I told everybody as briefly as I could so they wouldn’t find out about it on air. And then I went back out on stage to tell everybody. And I was so nervous about doing it right — because there was nothing in the prompter, I was just speaking off the cuff — that I f— up twice. And I had to restart and the audience thought it was a bit and they started going, ‘Steve, you can do it.’ Because I always messed up on the sentence that told them what was happening. And then I got to the sentence that actually told them was happening, and they didn’t laugh.”

Kimmel explained that he learned about the cancellation of “The Late Show” while he was at a No Kings protest march.

Television

The hosts of four late-night talk shows shared their thoughts on ABC’s decision to put Jimmy Kimmel’s show on indefinite hold, discussing it in their opening monologues and other parts of their programs.

Kimmel says he took the call from ABC about his suspension from the bathroom

Similar to Colbert, Tuesday was the first time Kimmel spoke publicly since his recent suspension earlier this month. He explained what happened the day he found out he was being taken off the air.

Jimmy Kimmel’s office is usually bustling with activity – he said there are typically around five other people working with him at any given time. So, when ABC executives needed to talk to him with only a couple of hours before showtime, Kimmel had to take the call in the bathroom to have some privacy.

“I was talking to the executives at ABC, and they told me, ‘We need to calm things down. We’re worried about what you’re planning to say on the show tonight, so we’ve decided to cancel it,’” Kimmel explained, before the audience reacted with disapproval.”

He explained that after losing a vote, he simply got dressed and went to tell his production team. He added, “My wife said I was whiter than Jim Gaffigan when I came out.”

Kimmel explained to Colbert that the choice to suspend him was made so close to showtime that the audience was already seated and had to be asked to leave.

A sign of the times?

During his monologue, Kimmel promoted the crossover event (“We thought it might be a fun way to drive the President nuts so…”) and also emphasized the strong support Stephen Colbert has, both in New York City, where he films his show, and in Los Angeles, where Kimmel’s show is based. As evidence, the show displayed a photo of signs that were visible over the 101 freeway in L.A. when Kimmel returned to the air after his suspension. The signs stated: “Public pressure works – Kimmel is back!” This highlighted the impact of public support.

“And here’s the current sign,” Kimmel went on, showing video of newer signs above the freeway. “It reads, “Now do Colbert.””

Gavin Newsom traveled to Brooklyn. Or did he?

The California governor – who is also known for playfully teasing Donald Trump online through his social media team – traveled to Brooklyn to surprise Jimmy Kimmel on stage. Or was it really him? While Kimmel was talking about the governor’s recent criticism of Trump, someone who looked a lot like Newsom rode onto the stage on a bike. This lookalike then joined Kimmel and gave a roughly six-minute speech, speaking in a typical Californian style, about his goal of uniting people. It was a surprising moment for the audience! The whole appearance was quite a spectacle.

“Los Angeles and New York City, we have more in common than you might think,” the aspiring Newsom remarked. “Basically, we both simply want the freedom to enjoy cannabis while traveling on electric scooters to a drag queen brunch.”

When Kimmel questioned how they could actually unite, a forceful “Newsom” replied: “We’ve already begun, man. These folks understand. They have their own fantastic late-night hosts right here in NYC, but tonight they chose my friend from L.A. They could be partying with my guy, J-Fall and The Roots crew – they’re a rap band… because you looked a little lost. Anyway, these Brooklyn people came to see you instead of watching the political takes of John Oliver or J-Stew, or paying their respects to Colbert before he leaves, or checking out whatever that odd little guy Seth Meyers is up to… that dude dresses like a fill-in Montessori teacher. Seriously, do you know why he sits down to tell his jokes? It’s the same reason your mother sits down to use the restroom.”

A surprise guest appearance came from Seth Meyers, a friend of Kimmel and another late-night talk show host, but this time to control… his own brother? For those unfamiliar with the late-night scene: Meyers’ brother, Josh, famously portrayed a comedic version of Newsom as the “Covid bro” in sketches during the pandemic on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. Josh returned to the stage, once again impersonating Newsom, but this time on Kimmel’s show.

“We’re friends, but it’s not like that,” Josh’s Newsom explained. “I often get that comment, likely because we’re both considered attractive.”

Continuing with the playfully awkward exchange, Kimmel casually told Meyers he was available for dinner while in town. Meyers then replied: “What happened with your show? I thought this whole thing was, you know … “

“We’re back on the air,” Kimmel said. “We’re back on now.”

Additionally, Kimmel, Colbert, and Meyers subsequently took a photo together while on stage and shared it on their individual social media accounts, writing, “Hi Donald!”

Guillermo brings the fun (and the tequila)

It was hilarious – just as Colbert was playfully suggesting he was letting loose a bit – like he does on his show – by unbuttoning his blazer, Kimmel’s friend and right-hand man on the show suddenly ran onto the stage, carrying tequila and three shot glasses! I couldn’t believe it.

I was there when Stephen Colbert started the first round of Don Julio tequila. He raised his glass and gave a toast – it was perfect! He said, “To good friends, great jobs and late-night TV.” It really set the tone for the night.

Colbert served another round of drinks, and Kimmel brought out a water pipe decorated with a Statue of Liberty. They all shared one last shot, and Kimmel raised his glass in a toast to Colbert.

Guillermo, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience, is famous for offering drinks and celebrating with A-Listers at award ceremonies and various Hollywood gatherings.

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2025-10-01 08:32