Jimmy Kimmel recently shared an intriguing revelation on Ted Danson’s podcast, shedding light on a pivotal decision by ABC. The network almost hired Jon Stewart for their late-night slot before being captivated by Kimmel’s audition tape. This unexpected twist not only changed Kimmel’s career trajectory but also showcased the factors that influence major network decisions.
ABC’s Initial Choice: Jon Stewart
Back in the early 2000s, ABC was seeking a host for their late-night show following “Nightline” and “Politically Incorrect.” Jimmy Kimmel explained on the podcast that the network initially intended to bring in Jon Stewart, the acclaimed host of “The Daily Show.” With Stewart’s manager, James “Baby Doll” Dixon, on the verge of closing the deal, it seemed certain Stewart would become ABC’s late-night face.
The Unexpected Shift to Jimmy Kimmel
The narrative took a turn when Michael Davies, an ABC executive, suggested that Lloyd Braun, the then-chairman, watch a tape of Jimmy Kimmel. “Lloyd watched the tape, and he was like, ‘I think this might be the guy,’” Kimmel recounted. Braun then presented the tape to Bob Iger, who concurred, leading to Kimmel’s unexpected hiring. This development placed Dixon in the awkward position of informing Stewart that Kimmel was chosen instead.
Kimmel’s Reflection on the Decision
Despite landing the role, Kimmel humbly acknowledged, “That was a mistake by the way. They definitely should’ve hired Jon.” He admitted he would have personally picked Stewart “100 times out of a 100.” When asked why he was chosen, Kimmel said Bob Iger humorously pointed out, “Well, you were cheaper.”
Kimmel humorously concluded, “Sometimes it pays to be cheaper,” acknowledging the role cost played in his selection over Stewart.
Support and Resilience
In a more recent development, Kimmel faced a temporary suspension from ABC over controversial remarks. This setback, however, was met with strong support from fellow late-night hosts and the entertainment community. The network reinstated him shortly after, and his triumphant return garnered significant viewership. His comeback episode attracted 6.2 million viewers, significantly boosting his usual audience numbers.
While his journey to late-night stardom was unexpected, Kimmel’s story serves as a testament to the complexity of network decisions and the surprising factors that can lead to career-defining moments.
