Stephen Colbert Celebrates Jimmy Kimmel’s Return

After a brief but dramatic suspension, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is officially back on the air, a comeback that was met with an outpouring of relief and celebration from the late-night community. Chief among those celebrating was Stephen Colbert, who dedicated a portion of his own show to the news, expressing genuine happiness for his colleague and friend.

The suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” by ABC, which came after the host made comments about the death of a conservative activist, ignited a firestorm of controversy and led to accusations of censorship and political pressure. Other late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart and Seth Meyers, quickly rallied in solidarity, with Colbert himself delivering a passionate defense of Kimmel on his show, calling the suspension a “blatant assault on the freedom of speech.”

Now that the show has been reinstated, the mood has shifted from outrage to elation. On Monday’s episode of “The Late Show,” Colbert shared the good news with his audience, announcing that “our long national late-nightmare is over.” He went on to say, “This is wonderful news for my dear friend Jimmy and his amazing staff. I’m so happy for them.”

The statement from Disney, ABC’s parent company, confirmed the show’s return, stating that after “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy,” they had reached a decision to bring the show back. This quick reversal, just days after the suspension, is being viewed by many as a victory for free speech and a testament to the powerful public outcry that followed the network’s initial decision.

For Colbert, who has his own history of sparring with powerful figures and has been at the center of his own late-night-related controversies, Kimmel’s return is more than just a win for a friend—it’s a win for the entire genre. In a lighthearted jab, he also jokingly pointed out the silver lining for himself, quipping, “Once more, I am the only martyr in late night.”

As “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” prepares to resume production, the episode will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated in the show’s history. It is expected that Kimmel will address the controversy directly, providing his perspective on the events that led to his temporary removal from the airwaves. The return of the show, and the vocal support from his peers like Colbert, highlights the enduring camaraderie among late-night hosts and the critical role they play in the national conversation.