NEWS UPDATE: Jimmy Kimmel Shares The Minute-By-Minute Details Of Finding Out ABC Was Taking Him Off The Air

In a jaw-dropping episode of The Late Show, host Stephen Colbert welcomed back none other than Jimmy Kimmel, who made his first appearance since his shocking suspension from the airwaves on September 17th. The atmosphere was electric as Colbert introduced Kimmel, and the audience erupted into cheers and applause, eager to hear about the chaos that had unfolded in Kimmel’s world.

A Night to Remember

Kimmel, known for his sharp wit and comedic prowess, opened up about the tumultuous experience of being pulled off the air. Colbert, with his signature humor, remarked on the privilege and grind of hosting a nightly show, setting the stage for Kimmel to share his emotional roller coaster ride.

“It was an emotional roller coaster,” Kimmel admitted, reflecting on the bizarre turn of events. “You hear that a lot, but it really was strange.” The comedian recounted the moment he received the fateful call from ABC executives, sending shockwaves through the late-night landscape.

The Shocking Call

The drama began around 3:00 PM, just an hour and a half before Kimmel’s show was set to tape. “I’m in my office, typing away, when I get a call from ABC,” he explained. The call was unusual, and Kimmel quickly realized it was serious business. With five staff members working alongside him, he had no choice but to retreat to the bathroom for some privacy.

In a scene straight out of a sitcom, Kimmel found himself on the phone with network executives while in a bathroom stall. “They said they wanted to take the temperature down,” he recalled. “We’re concerned about what you’re going to say tonight. We’ve decided that the best route is to take the show off the air.” The audience, who had already settled into their seats, was left in the dark as Kimmel faced the shocking news.

The Aftermath

As Kimmel emerged from the bathroom, he was visibly shaken. “I was whiter than Jim Gaffigan when I came out of there,” he joked, but the reality of the situation hit hard. “I thought, ‘That’s it, it’s over. I’m never coming back on the air.’” With the audience waiting and a chef preparing a delicious meal for the show, the stakes were high.

Kimmel shared that the show had a guest lined up, the legendary Howard Jones, who was set to perform his hit “Things Can Only Get Better.” Ironically, the song took on a new meaning as Kimmel and his team faced the fallout from the suspension.

A Unique Audience Experience

Despite the disappointment, Kimmel and his team decided to tape the performance anyway, albeit without a live audience. “We sent the audience home and had our staff pretend to be the audience,” he explained. “They went and ate polenta and meatballs after.” It was a surreal experience, turning what should have been a night of laughter into a strange gathering of employees munching on gourmet food.

As Kimmel made his way home, the paparazzi were hot on his trail. “I was followed by 20 paparazzi cars,” he recalled, describing the chaos of trying to navigate through the frenzy. “Two helicopters were flying over—this was something I did not want America to see!”

Family Life Amidst Chaos

Once home, Kimmel was met with the comforting chaos of family life. His kids, oblivious to the media storm, provided a much-needed distraction. His daughter, in a sweet gesture, offered to sell her beloved labrador, while his son decided to strip down and run around the house. “It was like a DUI in L.A.—three days in jail where I couldn’t say anything,” Kimmel quipped, reflecting on the surreal combination of personal and professional turmoil.

Support from Friends

During this challenging time, Kimmel received an outpouring of support from friends and colleagues. Colbert, who had been in touch with Kimmel throughout the ordeal, asked him about the most unusual messages he received. Kimmel shared that he heard from everyone he had ever met, including a heartfelt note from James Taylor, who had reached out during the crisis.

“I didn’t have a girlfriend in high school, but I heard from the girl I wished had been my girlfriend,” Kimmel joked. The camaraderie among late-night hosts was palpable, with both Kimmel and Colbert sharing their experiences of receiving unexpected messages during tough times.

A Return to Form

As the segment wrapped up, Kimmel expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his suspension. “It’s good to be back,” he said, with a hint of relief in his voice. Colbert, ever the gracious host, reminded viewers of the importance of sticking together in the late-night community.

With laughter and camaraderie, the two hosts reminded everyone that while the world of late-night television can be unpredictable, the bonds formed through shared experiences make it all worthwhile. As the show came to a close, audiences were left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for both Kimmel and Colbert in the ever-evolving landscape of late-night entertainment.

Stay tuned for more late-night drama and heartfelt moments as these comedians navigate the ups and downs of their careers!