Kimmel backs Colbert with billboard for Emmys

Kimmel's billboard aims to boost Colbert's chances for an Emmy after his show cancellation.

Jimmy Kimmel Supports Stephen Colbert with Billboard for Emmys

Jimmy Kimmel has taken a bold step by placing a billboard in West Hollywood that reads "I’m voting for Stephen," in support of Stephen Colbert and his recently canceled show. Located at a prominent intersection, the billboard encourages Emmy voters to consider Colbert's work on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" rather than Kimmel's own program. This gesture comes after CBS canceled Colbert's show, citing cost-cutting measures due to the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. The cancellation has sparked controversy in the industry, particularly as it occurs during a crucial Emmy recognition period for Colbert. Despite being nominated 33 times since its debut, Colbert's show has yet to win an Emmy, making this year’s nomination particularly significant.

Kimmel's billboard serves as a powerful statement about solidarity within the entertainment industry, especially in an era marked by significant challenges for late-night programming. The cancellation of Colbert's show highlights the tension between traditional media and modern budgetary pressures. By publicly supporting Colbert, Kimmel not only enhances Colbert's visibility among Emmy voters but also addresses the systemic threats that political commentary faces in entertainment. This act is more than just friendship; it symbolizes the precarious nature of artistic expression in a landscape that can quickly shift due to corporate decisions. The timing is especially poignant as late-night television continues to grapple with its role in political discourse.

Highlights

Kimmel's gesture highlights the evolving dynamics of late-night television.