Studying Time: 3 minutes

We’re simply hours away from Stephen Colbert’s remaining episode of The Late Present, and followers and pals are eagerly paying tribute to the beloved comedian.

As we beforehand reported, CBS determined to cancel Colbert’s present in a shock transfer that many imagine to be politically motivated.

No stranger to political controversy himself, Colbert’s longtime buddy and fellow late evening host Jimmy Kimmel used his platform to deal with the state of affairs final evening.

Throughout his monologue, Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute to his colleague whereas additionally taking a really public shot at CBS.

And, in true Kimmel trend, he managed to sneak in a joke that was solely half-joking.

The ABC host started by asserting his present wouldn’t air reverse Colbert’s remaining broadcast out of respect for his buddy and the workers behind The Late Present.

“We shall be off tomorrow evening out of respect for our colleague and buddy Stephen Colbert, and the writers, producers, and workers and crew at The Late Present, whose remaining present on CBS airs reverse ours,” Kimmel mentioned.

However whereas the gesture was gracious, Kimmel additionally made it abundantly clear that he’s nonetheless not over CBS pulling the plug on Colbert’s program.

“I believe you understand how I really feel about the truth that they’re being pushed out,” Kimmel mentioned.

“I hope the individuals who did the pushing really feel ashamed of themselves tonight — though I do know they in all probability gained’t.”

Kimmel went on to reward Colbert and the Late Present writers and producers, celebrating what they completed over the previous 11 years whereas emphasizing that there was by no means any actual unhealthy blood between the 2 exhibits.

“I believe it’s most essential to congratulate Stephen and the crew at The Late Present for all the nice work over the past 11 years — and all the nice work they’ll proceed to do in different venues, I’ve little doubt,” he mentioned.

“Everybody at that present has at all times been very gracious to us. We by no means felt like we have been competing towards them. It was nothing just like the previous days of late-night. I at all times beloved being on Stephen’s present. I beloved having him on ours. I hope we’re ready to do this once more. I hope he comes to go to as many occasions as doable.”

Then got here Jimmy’s digs on the Trump-friendly bigwigs at CBS’ mother or father firm, Paramount.

“On behalf of everybody at our present, we wish to say to everybody at your present: It has been a pleasure to work alongside you,” Kimmel concluded.

“I shall be watching tomorrow evening. I hope that these of you who watch our present may even tune in to CBS for the final time. Don’t ever watch it once more. However watch tomorrow evening to want Stephen a fond farewell.”

CBS lately introduced that The Late Present would get replaced by Comics Unleashed, the long-running stand-up clip sequence created by Byron Allen.

Earlier this month, Kimmel additionally mocked the choice throughout his annual roast on the broadcast upfronts.

“As you realize, CBS is popping 11:35 p.m. right into a time slot least more likely to offend the President with a rerun of Comics Unleashed from 2007 that includes Paula Poundstone and Andy Dick,” Kimmel joked.

“Poor Stephen. It’s unhealthy sufficient to lose your job. Think about getting changed by the proprietor of the Climate Channel.”

As for Colbert, the longtime host seems to be attempting to maintain issues in perspective — a minimum of publicly.

In an exit interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colbert mirrored on the tip of his late-night run.

“We’re all huge boys. I received to do that for 21 years. What’s there to complain about, actually?” he mentioned. “I knew that the present needed to finish at a while. I didn’t count on it to finish this manner. However my workers are the one individuals I’m anxious about.”

After greater than a decade behind The Late Present desk, Colbert’s remaining visitor lineup stays beneath wraps.

However one factor appears sure: Kimmel — and thousands and thousands of different followers — shall be watching.