As recently canceled host Stephen Colbert joins Jimmy Kimmel following his brief suspension from ABC, Kimmel shares ‘this is what the FCC doesn’t want you to see’
23:40 ET, 30 Sep 2025Updated 23:50 ET, 30 Sep 2025
Jimmy Kimmel brings FCC jab to his show(Image: Getty)
During Stephen Colbert’s visit on Jimmy Kimmel Live’s September 30 taping, Kimmel shocked fans with comments as he said, “This is what the FCC doesn’t want you to see.”
His visit, which came just after his recent cancellation by CBS after more a decade hosting The Late Show, came during Kimmel’s week of Brooklyn tapings. Kimmel said during his opening monologue, which came after a minute-long standing ovation, “Thanks for joining me for night two of our week-long residency here at the beautiful Brooklyn Academy of Music here in Brooklyn New York.”
“My fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert is with us tonight. That is right. It’s the show the FCC doesn’t want you to see,” he declared.
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Fans reacted to his comments live on social media, with one saying, “It just kills you to admit Kimmel crushed Disney, ABC, the FCC, and tRump. Kimmel wiped the floor with all you MAGA cult members.” “Jimmy is the best…It’s the show the #FCC doesn’t want you” to see is comedy gold,” wrote another.
Kimmel is doing a Brooklyn residency(Image: ABC)
These comments come after months of growing tension in the late night television world. In July, Colbert failed to receive renewal for a new season by the CBS network, despite historically high-ratings and years of experience on on the show.
Back in July, CBS shared the news that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its last episode in May 2026. The company announced the decision was ‘purely for financial reasons’ and not due of Colbert’s performance or the show’s ratings.
CBS executive George Cheeks, who oversees CBS, said the decision was “agonizing” but necessary as the company navigates changes, including a possible merger between Paramount and Skydance.
Colbert had recently criticized Paramount for settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump, labeling it a “big fat bribe,” and despite the network denying any connection, the timing of the cancellation has raised political questions.
Following the Colbert news, fellow media giant ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 17 after comments the host made following the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel join forces
In an opening monologue, Kimmel shared, “Many in MAGA land are working very hard to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” The remarks earned backlash from political groups, pressure on the network, and a temporary refusal by broadcasting groups Nexstar and Sinclair to carry the show.
ABC explained that it suspended the program to avoid adding to tensions during a sensitive moment. After discussions with Kimmel, the network brought the show back.
When he returned to air, Kimmel addressed the controversy directly.
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”
He also criticized the broader political pressure placed on media companies and defended his right to comment on current events.