Jimmy Kimmel says Stephen Colbert’s staff asked him for jobs before 'Late Show' ends in 2026
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jimmy Kimmel turned his Tuesday guest appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' into a moment of late-night candor, joking that several members of Colbert’s team already want to join his ABC program 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' ahead of the CBS show’s upcoming cancellation in 2026.
Jimmy Kimmel says Stephen Colbert staff approached him for jobs
During the broadcast, Kimmel, 57, praised Colbert’s team as “fantastic” before delivering a playful revelation.
“The first 10 members of your staff came right up to me and said, ‘I will leave today if you hire me,’” Kimmel told Colbert, 61, prompting laughter from the studio audience.
Colbert, smiling, responded, “As well they should,” before adding a self-deprecating quip: “Matter of fact, are you hiring? Because I’m available in June if you need. I’ll be Guillermo’s sidekick if that’s OK.”
Stephen Colbert praises his staff amid cancellation news
Colbert took the moment in stride but also expressed pride in his team.
“This is the greatest group of people I’ve ever worked with,” he said, noting it took two decades to build the staff that has defined The Late Show since his 2015 takeover from David Letterman.
Kimmel also sympathized with the situation, calling CBS’ decision to shutter the program “terrible” and a “shame” given the show’s loyal following.
CBS confirms The Late Show will end in 2026
Colbert announced on July 17, 2025, that The Late Show would conclude in May 2026.
At the time, CBS attributed the move to “a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” dismissing speculation that it was linked to Colbert’s criticism of CBS’ parent company, Paramount.
The announcement came shortly after Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, during sensitive merger negotiations with Skydance that required the Trump administration’s approval. That merger was finalized on August 7.
Jimmy Kimmel shows support for Stephen Colbert
Following the news, Kimmel voiced solidarity with Colbert, posting on Instagram: “Love you Stephen. F--- you and all your Sheldons CBS.” He later bought a billboard in Los Angeles urging Emmy voters to support Colbert’s show in the Outstanding Talk Series category.
'The Late Show' went on to win the award on September 14.
During Tuesday’s episode, the camaraderie between the two late-night veterans was evident. Colbert told Kimmel, “I admire you as a leader, I know you as a friend, and here’s something I didn’t know — you’re funny.”
What’s next for late night programming
As Colbert’s exit looms, speculation continues about the future of CBS’ late-night slate and whether rival hosts like Kimmel or NBC’s Jimmy Fallon will see shifts in audience dynamics.
For now, Colbert is savoring his final months with a team he calls “irreplaceable,” while Kimmel teases that he may inherit some of that talent sooner than expected.
