The viral story claiming Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert—once rivals—left ABC and CBS to launch an uncensored, ad-free “Truth News” platform with 1 billion views, sparked by Kimmel’s remarks on Charlie Kirk’s passing, is false.
As of January 7, 2026, no such platform exists, and neither host has left their networks or announced a joint venture. This rumor is a recycled hoax from late 2025, often including fabricated elements like Simon Cowell funding or massive viewership.
Reality Check:
- Charlie Kirk’s Passing: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is alive and active as of January 2026. No death occurred in 2025. The rumor likely confuses or fabricates events from past controversies (e.g., Kirk’s real-life health scares or unrelated deaths).
- Kimmel and Colbert’s Status: Kimmel’s contract with ABC runs through at least 2027 (recent extension). Colbert’s The Late Show ends in May 2026 due to financial decisions at CBS, but he has no announced post-show platform with Kimmel.
- No “Truth News” Launch: Searches show no evidence of this channel or collaboration. Similar false stories (e.g., involving Rachel Maddow or Cowell) were debunked by Snopes and fact-checkers in 2025.
Late-night TV faces challenges—declining ratings, network shifts—but this “revolution” is pure fiction, designed for viral spread.
Kimmel and Colbert continue critiquing power through satire on their respective shows. Real media changes happen gradually, not in dramatic walkouts.
If credible news emerges, it’ll come from official sources—not unsourced social media bombshells.
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