Jimmy Kimmel Live! executive producer Molly McNearney says late night isn’t going anywhere.
In a new Gold Derby interview published late Thursday, McNearney pushed back against the narrative that the genre is disappearing.
“I think there’s a place for late night forever, honestly. People need voices to make us laugh and connect and evaluate the news of the day. I don’t think that’s going anywhere. The formats and platforms might change a little, but we are here to stay, so we look forward to continuing the work.”
Her comments come in the wake of CBS canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a move that stunned viewers and colleagues alike.
McNearney, who’s married to Jimmy Kimmel, recalled that she was “at a rally in Jackson Hole with Jimmy and our kids, an anti-Trump rally where my kids got flipped-off I think three to four times,” when the news hit her phone.
“I was truly devastated by it. And so was Jimmy,” she said, adding that they have “a deep respect for Stephen Colbert and his entire crew and cast and staff,” and that she’s “still honestly in a bit of disbelief that it’s over.”
For McNearney, the timing makes the decision especially hard to swallow. “There’s never been a more relevant time for late night,” she said.
“I think it is incredibly important, the work that Stephen and his show does, and for that to be missing is going to be detrimental. A lot of people oddly get their news from late night, and right now it’s vital that these shows provide a place or outlet of release, frustration, anger, and inspiration every night.”
McNearney added that she doesn’t think Colbert will be gone for long. “I’m fairly confident Stephen will find a different platform. I can’t imagine he’s going to go away.”
Though she was ostensibly participating in an FYC interview with Gold Derby—Jimmy Kimmel Live! is nominated alongside Colbert and The Daily Show for Outstanding Talk Series—McNearney confirmed what her husband has already telegraphed on a West Hollywood billboard: Kimmel himself will be voting for Colbert. “I think it’s a good year for Stephen to win,” she added.
I’m heartbroken this will be Stephen Colbert’s last season. I never miss his or any late night show, they’ve never been needed more than now! I don’t buy the explanation Paramount+ gave one tiny bit. I started watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson when I was 10. I fell in love with him & late night then and have loved late night for the last 60 years.