Jimmy Kimmel recently shared an intriguing story on Ted Danson’s podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” He revealed that he almost lost the chance to host his late-night talk show on ABC to Jon Stewart back in the early 2000s. At that time, Stewart was already gaining fame with The Daily Show on Comedy Central, while Kimmel was still finding his footing with The Man Show.
Kimmel explained how ABC wanted a more traditional late-night host after Bill Maher left his political talk show, Politically Incorrect. “They wanted a different vibe in that slot,” Kimmel recalled. With the same manager, James ‘Baby Doll’ Dixon, both Kimmel and Stewart were in the arena for the job. ABC chairman Lloyd Braun saw Kimmel’s audition tape and pushed for him. “It was strange,” Kimmel said. “James had to tell Jon that he wasn’t getting the job.”
Despite Stewart being a favorite, Kimmel won out in the end. He humorously wondered about this major decision. When he asked Bob Iger, the then-CEO of ABC, why they chose him, Iger jokingly pointed out that Kimmel was “cheaper.”
Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003, but Kimmel described those early days as tough. He called watching his first year of shows “hell.” It took time to find their groove, but somehow, the ratings started to rise, keeping the show on the air despite Kimmel’s frequent controversies. “I was causing trouble every few months,” he laughed, “making headlines with what came out of my mouth.”
Jon Stewart has had an immense impact on late-night comedy, often credited for blending humor with political commentary. His influence is still felt today, as younger hosts often cite him as a significant inspiration. In contrast, Kimmel’s style tends to mix humor with a more relaxed late-night setting, showcasing celebrity guests with heartfelt interviews.
Recent surveys show that Jimmy Kimmel is a consistent favorite among late-night viewers, focusing not just on entertainment but also societal issues. According to a study by The Pew Research Center, late-night shows are now considered key platforms for discussing political and cultural events, highlighting their roles in shaping public opinion.
Kimmel’s journey reminds us of the unpredictable nature of success in entertainment. As he looks back, he appreciates how far he has come while acknowledging that it was a surprise to land such a prominent gig.
For those wanting to hear more about Kimmel’s stories, check out his full interview on Danson’s podcast here.
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Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, Bob Iger, political talk show, Bill Maher
