In a revealing podcast interview, Jimmy Kimmel admitted he once hoped ABC would cancel his late-night talk show during its early years due to overwhelming pressure and logistical struggles. This candid confession comes just weeks after his program faced a temporary suspension over controversial remarks, highlighting the intense challenges of his long-running career.
Kimmel shared these personal reflections on the SiriusXM podcast ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name’ hosted by Ted Danson on October 22, 2025. He described a period where he felt completely unprepared, stating, ‘I didn’t know what I was doing, and I would pray that they canceled the show sometimes.’ The host emphasized that he didn’t want to quit and disappoint his staff, but he reached a point where he ‘couldn’t do it anymore,’ underscoring the emotional toll of the job.
One of the major hurdles was securing guests for the show, which airs live at 12:05 a.m. Kimmel recalled instances as late as 5:30 p.m. where no guests were booked, forcing him to frantically call friends at the last minute. This chaotic approach left him feeling frustrated and unprofessional, as he noted, ‘That’s not how you go into a show. You can’t operate that way,’ revealing the behind-the-scenes chaos that viewers never saw.
To cope, Kimmel relied heavily on a circle of loyal friends, including then-girlfriend Sarah Silverman, comedians Kathy Griffin, Anthony Anderson, Adam Carolla, and David Alan Grier. He expressed deep gratitude for their willingness to appear on short notice, saying, ‘God bless them, because I needed them. And they were always ready at a moment’s notice to come on.’ Their support was crucial in helping him navigate the unpredictable early seasons and maintain the show’s viability.
Over time, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ stabilized as Kimmel and his team developed strategies like running bits and better planning. He acknowledged that they eventually ‘figured out how to do it,’ allowing the show to grow into a staple of late-night television now in its 24th season. This evolution from uncertainty to success illustrates his resilience and adaptability in a competitive industry.
Kimmel’s recent comments are set against the backdrop of his show’s suspension in September 2025 after he made remarks about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. ABC pulled the program, citing the comments as ‘ill-timed and thus insensitive,’ which sparked widespread debate about free speech and drew criticism from celebrities like Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston. The incident polarized public opinion and underscored the delicate balance hosts must maintain.
Following ‘thoughtful conversations’ with ABC, Kimmel returned to the air on September 23, with the network reaffirming its commitment to the show while addressing the sensitivity of his earlier statements. This episode adds context to his podcast revelations, showing how past and present challenges intertwine in his career, and highlighting the ongoing pressures faced by late-night hosts in a polarized media landscape.
Reflecting on his journey, Kimmel’s story serves as a reminder of the hidden struggles in entertainment, where success often masks early hardships. His ability to persevere and innovate has cemented his place in television history, offering insights into the demands of live broadcasting and the importance of support networks in sustaining a long-term career.