Jimmy Kimmel has asked the audience to stop watching CBS once Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show concludes. He also announced they would not air a new episode on May 21 as a gesture of respect and tribute toward Colbert and the show’s team. While appreciating Colbert, Kimmel also shared that his show never felt like a competition to him and that he loved it.

Jimmy Kimmel says ‘Don’t ever watch CBS again’

During a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host informed the viewers that a new episode won’t happen on May 21, a day when Colbert’s late show ends. Explaining his reason, he added, “We will be off tomorrow night, out of respect for our colleague and friend Stephen Colbert, and the writers, producers, and staff and crew at The Late Show, whose final show on CBS airs opposite ours.”

He then went on to praise Stephen Colbert for the incredible work he has delivered over the past 11 years and remained certain that his “great work” would continue to shine through in his future endeavors.

Further revealing how The Late Show was never perceived as a rival, he elaborated, “We never felt like we were competing against them; it was nothing like the old days of late night,” Kimmel said. “I always loved being on Stephen’s show, I loved having him here on ours…. I hope we’re able to do that again. I hope he comes to visit as many times as possible.”

He encouraged viewers to catch up on Stephen Colbert’s show one “last time” before issuing a bold warning. He urged viewers not to watch CBS any further after The Late Show with Stephen Colbert concludes, saying, “Don’t ever watch [CBS] again.” However, he stressed that tuning in for the finale was important to give the host and the team a heartfelt farewell.