Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon kicked off their Thursday late-night programs with a blend of comedic commentary and expressions of support for their suspended colleague, Jimmy Kimmel.

Stewart used sharp satire to criticize ABC’s indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following Kimmel’s comments regarding the shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Colbert took a somber tone, labeling the decision as “outright censorship,” while Fallon offered praise for Kimmel and pledged to carry on as usual. However, a humorous voiceover cut in and replaced Fallon’s critique of President Donald Trump with exaggerated praise.

The shows' guest lineups the night after Kimmel was taken off the air—which came on the heels of CBS announcing the future cancellation of Colbert’s program—offered a mix of voices. Fallon featured actor Jude Law, journalist Tom Llamas, and performer Jonathan Groff, though none addressed Kimmel’s suspension.

Stewart and Colbert welcomed guests who were more closely engaged in free speech and media issues. Stewart spoke with journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, who shared her resilience during political persecution in the Philippines while running the news outlet Rappler.

When Stewart asked how to remain strong in difficult times, Ressa described persisting through adversity, including facing 11 arrest warrants in a year under former President Rodrigo Duterte. “We just kept pressing forward. We kept doing the work,” she said.

Stewart Returns to Deliver a Sharp Satire of Kimmel’s Suspension

Stewart’s show began with a tongue-in-cheek introduction promising a politically aligned broadcast.

“Tonight we've got another government-approved, family-friendly laugh fest,” a voice announced.

With irony, Stewart praised the president and mocked his criticism of urban crime rates and use of the National Guard.

“Live from the so-called crime-ridden, filthy mess that is New York City. A total catastrophe of epic proportions. I mean, surely someone’s National Guard should handle this mess, right?” joked Stewart.

The set of “The Daily Show” had been humorously decorated with golden details, echoing aesthetic changes made to the Oval Office during the Trump administration.

Visibly pretending to worry about saying something off-script, Stewart reacted nervously when the audience responded.

“Shh, what are you doing? You’re going to mess this up,” he whispered dramatically.

Adopting a stiff delivery, Stewart spoke of the president’s trip to the UK with exaggeration, calling him “our great father.”

“Look upon him. His stride more regal than the royal horses who dance in his honor,” he mocked.

Usually appearing only on Mondays, Stewart, who originally led “The Daily Show” from 1999 to 2015, returned to the show to contribute weekly as the 2024 election looms.

Fallon addressed the controversy in his opening monologue. “Honestly, nobody here really knows what’s happening. But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he’s a kind, funny, and genuine guy. I hope he returns soon.”

Kimmel’s Suspension Follows Remarks on Charlie Kirk Incident

On Monday and Tuesday, Kimmel commented on how certain political circles reacted to Kirk’s fatal shooting, saying, “Some in the MAGA movement seem eager to exploit Charlie Kirk’s death.”

ABC pulled the plug on the show after a number of its affiliate stations refused to air it, and FCC chairman Brendan Carr alleged that Kimmel and the network had spread misinformation, suggesting regulatory consequences for ABC and its parent company, the Walt Disney Co.

Kimmel has not publicly responded. His defenders argue that Carr’s interpretation was incorrect and that Kimmel never directly claimed that the shooter, Tyler Robinson, held conservative political views.

Back in July, CBS revealed plans to end “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” in May, citing budget concerns. The decision came just days after Colbert criticized a legal settlement involving Trump and Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, related to a “60 Minutes” segment.

Late-Night Hosts and Industry Veterans Weigh In

Colbert opened his show with a parody of the song “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast,” altering the lyrics to “Shut your trap. Shut your trap.”

He went on to express support for Kimmel and his team. “ABC may think this decision satisfies those in power, but they are mistaken,” he said.

Colbert also addressed recent comments from FCC Chair Carr, who said broadcasters should resist Disney content that doesn't align with "community values."

“Well, let me tell you something — my community values free speech,” Colbert replied, drawing cheers from his audience.

During a conversation with David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, Colbert said the situation suggests that the government is exerting pressure to stifle independent voices.

“This looks like the government, driven by the president, is trying to manipulate and silence institutions committed to free expression,” he remarked.

David Letterman, former host of “The Late Show,” reflected on the current state of media at The Atlantic Festival 2025 in New York.

“It's upsetting because we all know where this path leads — it’s controlled media. It’s absurd,” said Letterman.

He added that losing jobs over resisting an “authoritarian” leader’s agenda is unwarranted. “People shouldn’t be punished just for refusing to flatter those in power,” he said.