Television host Jimmy Kimmel criticizes CBS for canceling Stephen Colbert's show, calling Trump a "fragile, chunky teacup" in the process.
In a surprising turn of events, CBS has decided to end "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," a move that has sparked widespread speculation and criticism. The decision, which was announced recently, has left many questioning the reasons behind it.
While CBS claimed the move was purely financial, Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", suggested that the cancellation was a move to appease President Donald Trump. Kimmel has since responded to Trump's comments about his potential cancellation, calling the President "delicate, chubby little teacup" and "Frosty the Snowflake."
Trump, who has been a frequent target of late-night comedians, including Colbert and Kimmel, took to Truth Social to praise the decision and warn other hosts may be next on the chopping block. This comes after a $8.4 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance Media was approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with a 2-1 vote.
The approval of the merger, which was completed on Aug. 7, has also been met with controversy. Critics argue that the settlement between Paramount and Trump over his CBS News "60 Minutes" lawsuit was a way to appease the administration. However, the FCC maintains that the approval was based on regular procedures and there is no confirmed evidence that President Trump directly influenced this decision.
Meanwhile, there has been rampant speculation about the future of other Paramount-owned late-night programs, including "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central. Despite the uncertainty, Kimmel has no plans to leave late night.
In a surprising twist, Jimmy Kimmel announced that Stephen Colbert will be a guest on his show when it takes it on the road to New York. This could be a sign of a potential reconciliation between the two hosts, who have had a contentious relationship with Trump.
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how the late-night landscape will change in the wake of these developments. One thing is certain, however: the world of comedy and politics will continue to intersect in unexpected ways.
Joshua Q. Nelson contributed to this report.
