In an unprecedented display of industry solidarity, Jimmy Kimmel has erected a billboard at the high-traffic intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Cienega in West Hollywood, urging Emmy voters to support “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” for outstanding talk series rather than his own nominated program.
The strategically placed advertisement features a simple yet powerful message: “I’m voting for Stephen.” The billboard serves as both a gesture of support for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert and a pointed commentary on CBS’s recent cancellation of “The Late Show.”
CBS canceled Colbert’s program last month following Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance Media. The newly formed entity cited cost-cutting measures as the primary reason for ending the long-running series, a decision that has generated significant controversy within the entertainment industry.
The cancellation comes at a critical time for “The Late Show,” which faces its final opportunity for Emmy recognition. Since its 2015 debut, the CBS program has accumulated 33 Emmy nominations across various categories, making it the second most-nominated show in Primetime Emmy history never to win an award — trailing only AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” which went 0-for-53 during its six-season run.
This year’s talk series category features “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” alongside ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” The category represents one of only 15 Emmy categories decided by the full Television Academy membership, amplifying the impact of Kimmel’s public endorsement.
The billboard’s location — situated near major entertainment offices and within blocks of the Television Academy headquarters — ensures maximum visibility among Emmy voters. Industry observers view the gesture as more than collegiality, interpreting it as commentary on the broader challenges facing traditional late-night programming in an evolving media landscape.
The cancellation has sparked speculation about potential political motivations, given late-night television’s increasingly critical coverage of political figures, including President Donald Trump. Many industry insiders characterize the decision as symptomatic of the administration’s impact on editorial independence.
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In addition to the talk series recognition, Kimmel is also nominated this year for outstanding game show host for ABC’s “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and as an executive producer and host for the short form variety series “The Rabbit Hole With Jimmy Kimmel” on YouTube.
The 77th Emmy Awards, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, will broadcast live on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS. The ceremony will also stream live and on-demand through select Paramount+ packages.
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From Variety US