Jimmy Kimmel Tells All: The Shocking Moment He Learned ABC Was Pulling the Plug on His Show

In a candid interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show , Jimmy Kimmel shared the minute-by-minute details of the shocking day he discovered that ABC was suspending him indefinitely from his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! . This heartfelt and humorous recounting provided insight into the emotional rollercoaster Kimmel experienced during a tumultuous period in his career.

Kimmel began by describing the moment he received the unexpected phone call from ABC executives. It was around 3:00 PM, just over an hour before the show was set to tape at 4:30 PM. Finding privacy in his office was difficult, so he retreated to the bathroom to take the call. The executives informed him that they wanted to “take the temperature down” regarding his upcoming show, ultimately deciding to pull him off the air entirely.

“I started booing,” Kimmel recounted. “I said I don’t think that’s a good idea, and they said, ‘Well, we think it’s a good idea.’” After a brief internal vote, Kimmel realized he had lost, prompting him to leave the bathroom and share the news with his team. He humorously noted that his wife remarked he looked “whiter than Jim Gaffigan” when he emerged.

Kimmel’s revelation came as a shock not only to him but also to the audience that had already taken their seats for the live taping. With a chef preparing a meal and a musical guest, Howard Jones, set to perform, the situation was surreal. Kimmel described how they ultimately decided to tape the performance anyway, with the staff pretending to be the audience. “The song he was doing was ‘Things Can Only Get Better,’” Kimmel quipped, noting the irony in the title given the circumstances.

After sending the audience home, Kimmel faced a swarm of paparazzi on his way back, adding to the chaos of the day. He humorously shared that his family was also affected, with his daughter offering to sell her toys and his son running around the house naked in response to the stress.

During the following days of silence, Kimmel found himself in a media frenzy, unable to speak publicly about the situation. He received an outpouring of support from friends and colleagues, including unexpected messages from various acquaintances. Kimmel noted that he heard from “literally everyone I have ever met,” including a heartfelt message from musician James Taylor.

Colbert and Kimmel exchanged stories about the unusual texts they received during this period, highlighting the camaraderie among comedians. Kimmel expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing how the experience brought people together in unexpected ways.

As the interview progressed, Kimmel reflected on the emotional toll the suspension took on him. He described the experience as a “DUI in L.A.,” where he felt trapped and unable to express himself. However, he maintained a sense of humor throughout the ordeal, using laughter as a coping mechanism.

Kimmel’s return to television has been met with mixed reactions, but he remains committed to his craft and the connections he has with his audience. The interview with Colbert not only offered a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama of late-night television but also underscored the resilience of Kimmel as a performer and a person.

Jimmy Kimmel’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Despite the challenges he faced, Kimmel’s ability to share his story with humor and honesty resonates with fans and colleagues alike. As he continues to navigate his career, audiences can expect more candid moments and laughter from Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live! weeknights on ABC.