Late-night landscape shifts: Colbert finale, ratings changes, Kimmel's future, Corden's return, Griffin-Fallon feud, Emmys shakeup
Colbert's finale drew 9.77M; he was devastated by replacement's 85% viewership drop and is struggling emotionally. Colbert publicly fighting CBS over equal time rule and Emmy campaign disputes; CBS offered to show him financial losses, he declined. Kimmel signed off for summer on top (2.55M, demo win); his reruns still lead during hiatus. Kimmel's summer guest hosts: Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, Jelly Roll. Haddish's guest-hosting drew White House response after Trump crowd-size joke. New Emmy rule allows multiple winners in Variety Series; first nominees: Daily Show, Kimmel, Last Week, Colbert, SNL. Colbert's final season scored series-high 9-10 Emmy noms. TV Academy president confirms multiple winners possible; Mariska Hargitay to host Sept 14. Colbert and Kimmel both scored noms amid Trump clashes; ABC suspended Kimmel after his Trump joke. David Letterman returned to Colbert's final show. James Corden's World Cup show premiered June 9, pulling strong demos. Kathy Griffin claims Jimmy Fallon banned her since 2014. Trump threatens Kimmel and Maher. Latest ratings: Fallon tops 11:35 while Kimmel on break, with Rosie O'Donnell guest-hosting. Kimmel returning to Millionaire with celebrity guests including Larry David, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Will Forte, Taran Killam. Jon Stewart and other hosts show solidarity after Kimmel's suspension. Seth Meyers revealed Fred Armisen funniest texter; Michael Che teased new special in two months. Jimmy Kimmel hit an all-time monthly ratings high in June, with a 112% demo jump, solidifying his late-night dominance post-Colbert. Seth Meyers' Mee-Maw bit tribute after Lindsey Graham's death was well-received. New: Kimmel publicly urged viewers to boycott CBS in support of Colbert. Kimmel invited Colbert to guest host; Colbert declined, saying it's too soon. A new article explains why celebrities are choosing YouTube shows over late-night TV, with Hot Ones' 5.8B views and ad spend drop to $209M. The Daily Show's 30th anniversary retrospective covers Kilborn, Stewart, Noah, and current rotating hosts. Chloe Fineman departs SNL. A new feature on Kimmel's guest hosts highlights the political high-wire act. Kimmel's June average was 3.15M, a 34% yearly jump, per new ratings data.