Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon opened their late-night shows Thursday using a mix of humor and solidarity with suspended ABC host Jimmy Kimmel.
Stewart opted for satire to critique ABC suspending “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely following comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Colbert took a more serious approach, calling the suspension “blatant censorship.” Fallon praised Kimmel and vowed to keep doing his show as usual. Then an announcer spoke over him and replaced most of his critiques about President Donald Trump with flattery.
Their guests varied widely, with Fallon having actor Jude Law, journalist Tom Llamas, and actor and singer Jonathan Groff — none of whom addressed Kimmel’s situation. However, Stewart and Colbert interviewed guests who examined censorship concerns raised by Kimmel’s suspension. Notably, journalist Maria Ressa spoke to Stewart, sharing her experience with government repression in the Philippines and emphasizing the need to keep pursuing truth despite adversity.
Stewart's portion of the show was marked by comedic yet pointed remarks, describing the current social climate while parodying the mandated narratives in media. He crafted a comedic atmosphere filled with sarcasm, hinting at how restrictive media criticism affects comedic expression.
Fallon, meanwhile, addressed the issue more directly by expressing his confusion over Kimmel's suspension and asserting his belief in Kimmel as a kind and humorous person. He kept the tone light, showing how even as underlying tensions arise, comedic spaces still seek to maintain a sense of normalcy and support for one another.
Colbert took a firmer anti-censorship stance, directly addressing the pressure exerted on media figures by external forces, connecting Kimmel's suspension to broader themes of free speech and governmental influence in broadcasting. He reiterated the importance of journalists standing firm against suppression, prompting applause from the audience.
As the hosts navigate this challenging landscape, Kimmel's suspension highlights ongoing debates on censorship and freedom of speech within media, reflecting an environment where comedic and satirical voices grapple with significant social ramifications when addressing politically charged topics.
