Jimmy Kimmel Defends Late-Night TV and Dismisses Claims of Colbert’s Show Losing Money

In an exclusive interview with Variety, Jimmy Kimmel vehemently denied reports that Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ was losing $40 million annually. Kimmel, a seasoned veteran in the late-night TV scene, criticized industry insiders who claimed that late-night shows were no longer profitable. He argued that these reports overlooked the significant revenue from affiliate fees, which are crucial to the business model of late-night television. Kimmel also highlighted the ongoing popularity of late-night shows, pointing out that viewers are now consuming content through various platforms like YouTube and streaming services, not just traditional network TV. Despite the declining network TV ratings, Kimmel emphasized that late-night television is far from dead, with millions of viewers still engaging with shows like his own, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Kimmel also took the opportunity to discuss his admiration for Colbert, revealing that he was voting for him at the Emmys this year. He expressed that Colbert is not only a talented comedian but also a person of high moral standards, deserving recognition for his contributions to television. Kimmel wrapped up the interview with a humorous, untold story about Matt Damon nearly choking on ribs at his home, showcasing the lighthearted side of the late-night host.