Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon kicked off their late-night programs on Thursday with a blend of humor and support for the suspended ABC host, Jimmy Kimmel. Stewart used satire to criticize ABC’s decision to indefinitely suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after his comments regarding the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. In contrast, Colbert denounced the suspension as “blatant censorship,” while Fallon expressed solidarity with Kimmel and affirmed his commitment to continue his show as usual.
During their shows following Kimmel’s suspension, the trio welcomed various guests. Fallon hosted actor Jude Law, journalist Tom Llamas, and actor-singer Jonathan Groff, who did not touch upon Kimmel’s situation. In contrast, Stewart and Colbert featured guests who could speak on censorship concerns raised by Kimmel’s suspension. Stewart interviewed journalist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Ressa, who shared insights on standing up to oppressive regimes.
Stewart’s show began with a tongue-in-cheek promise to comply with the authorities, with him playfully showering praise on the president and lampooning his policies. Colbert, on the other hand, adopted a more somber tone, voicing his support for Kimmel and emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech in broadcasting.
Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from his remarks on the aftermath of Kirk’s assassination, triggering a chain of events leading to ABC’s decision. The suspension drew criticism from supporters who claimed misinterpretation of Kimmel’s statements. Meanwhile, CBS announced the impending cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” in May, citing financial reasons, just days after Colbert criticized a settlement involving Trump and Paramount Global.
Colbert’s program featured a musical parody to address Kimmel’s suspension, with Colbert asserting his solidarity with Kimmel and his team. He also rebuked statements from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr regarding broadcasting standards and freedom of speech. David Letterman, Colbert’s predecessor, also weighed in on the issue, condemning what he perceived as a trend toward controlled media and authoritarian influence.
The late-night hosts continued to navigate the evolving landscape of media scrutiny and censorship, underscoring the challenges faced by broadcasters in maintaining editorial independence and upholding democratic values.
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