Satirical Examination of Late-Night Comedy Criticized by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary, praised a viral satirical thread on Stephen Colbert and liberal comedy. He used the post to criticize Jimmy Kimmel as “The Late Show” era ends.

Kennedy described the post as an analysis of why Kimmel faces backlash from conservatives. He wrote, “Superb dissection of the shocking collapse of liberal comedy.” Kennedy highlighted that Kimmel, hired as a comedian, transformed into what he called a “priest.”

The satirical piece by Peter Girnus portrayed a fictional “Senior Vice President of Late Night Strategy at CBS.” Girnus emphasized Colbert’s transition from his Comedy Central character to a more serious late-night persona. Kennedy applauded the critique arguing liberal comedy now emphasizes ideological affirmation over humor.

“We killed the character and put the real man on stage,” Girnus wrote. “The real man was a lecturer. Earnest. Thoughtful. Correct about everything. Correct is not funny.”

Following Kennedy’s praise, Girnus argued the issue extended beyond one host to a culture stifling jokes outside liberal norms.

Kimmel’s recent comments on “IMO”—a podcast with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson—were part of the broader debate. Kimmel had defended his political commentary, telling critics his job is whatever his employer allows.

“Don’t tell me what my job is,” Kimmel said. “I love when the audience laughs. There’s nothing more exciting to me than that.”

Girnus responded by framing this tension as evidence of late-night comedy becoming a credentialing ritual for liberal viewers.

“An echo chamber cannot produce comedy,” Girnus wrote. “Comedy is saying what the room does not expect. An echo chamber punishes the unexpected.”

In July 2025, CBS announced “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” would end in May 2026. The move was a financial decision unrelated to show performance or content.