In a revelation that has sent ripples through the late-night television world, Jimmy Kimmel recently confessed that ABC was on the verge of signing Jon Stewart to host his current prime-time slot. The surprising anecdote, shared on Ted Danson’s podcast, highlights the high-stakes decisions behind TV’s biggest shows, with cost playing a pivotal role.
The landscape of late-night television as we know it could have been drastically different. Jimmy Kimmel, the long-standing host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, recently unveiled a fascinating piece of industry lore: he almost didn’t get the job, as the network was set to hire none other than Jon Stewart.
Kimmel’s candid confession came during his appearance on Ted Danson’s podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, shedding light on the serendipitous twists and turns that define entertainment careers. This revelation, first reported by Variety (Middle East), paints a vivid picture of the early 2000s, a pivotal time when ABC was scouting for its next late-night star.
A Near Miss: Kimmel’s Candid Revelation
According to Kimmel, ABC was deeply engaged in negotiations with Jon Stewart, who was already a few years into his acclaimed tenure as host of The Daily Show. The network was seemingly ready to finalize a deal, a move that would have seen Stewart at the helm of an ABC late-night program.
However, fate intervened through an unexpected champion: a producer who had previously worked with Kimmel on the ’90s game show Win Ben Stein’s Money. This producer suggested that an ABC executive watch Kimmel’s tape. This seemingly small act redirected the course of late-night history.
Kimmel recounted how he was called in for a meeting under what he described as “false pretenses.” He believed he was there to discuss a Thursday night variety show, a concept that didn’t particularly pique his interest. Instead, the meeting centered almost entirely on David Letterman, the legendary CBS late-night host.
For approximately 90 minutes, Kimmel engaged in a discussion about Letterman, a conversation that, unbeknownst to him at the time, sealed his fate. It was this unconventional interview that convinced the network’s higher-ups to take a chance on him over the more established Stewart.
The “Cheaper” Factor: Bob Iger’s Insight
One of the most striking details of Kimmel’s story involves then-ABC executive Bob Iger. After Kimmel secured the coveted position, he later learned a significant reason behind the network’s decision. Iger candidly remarked, “You’re cheaper.”
This revealing comment underscores a harsh reality of the television industry, where financial considerations often play a crucial role in talent selection, even for high-profile positions. It suggests that while Stewart’s reputation and experience were undeniable, Kimmel’s relative affordability provided a decisive edge in the competitive landscape.
Kimmel himself humorously acknowledged the network’s choice, quipping that ABC made a mistake in choosing him over Jon Stewart, as reported by India Today Headlines. This lighthearted self-deprecation speaks volumes about his respect for Stewart’s talent and his own humble perspective on his journey to late-night stardom.
Imagining an Alternate Late-Night Reality
The thought of Jon Stewart hosting an ABC late-night show instead of Jimmy Kimmel opens a fascinating “what if” scenario for fans of the genre. Stewart’s incisive political commentary and satirical approach to news defined an era at The Daily Show. His presence on a broadcast network in the early 2000s could have brought a different flavor to network late-night, potentially shifting its focus toward more biting political and social commentary.
Conversely, Kimmel’s more pop-culture-centric and often prank-driven style created a unique niche for Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, evolving from a post-Nightline slot to a mainstream staple. The decision, driven partly by cost, arguably shaped not just their individual careers but the competitive dynamics of all network late-night programming.
The Serendipitous Paths of Two Late-Night Titans
Despite this near-collision of career paths, both Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel have achieved immense success. Stewart went on to cement his legacy as one of the most influential voices in television, shaping political discourse and mentoring a generation of comedic talent. Kimmel, meanwhile, has become a household name, hosting major events like the Academy Awards and establishing Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a fixture in late-night television.
Their shared history, however, created a unique bond. As Kimmel revealed, they shared the same manager at the time, putting their agent in the awkward position of informing Stewart that Kimmel got the ABC gig instead. Fortunately, this hasn’t impacted their friendship, with both hosts becoming mutual admirers and colleagues over the years.
A Look Back at Kimmel’s Recent Suspension
The camaraderie among late-night hosts was recently highlighted when Kimmel faced an unexpected challenge. Last month, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was taken off the air indefinitely following comments he made regarding the “MAGA gang” response to the man who killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. The show’s six-day hiatus came amidst pressure from the Trump administration and affiliated groups.
During this period, much of the late-night community, past and present, rallied in support of Kimmel, underscoring the solidarity often seen among these seemingly rival hosts. This incident further illustrates the dynamic and often tumultuous world of late-night television, where careers are built on a blend of talent, opportunity, and sometimes, a little bit of luck—or being “cheaper.”
Fans interested in hearing Jimmy Kimmel’s full conversation about this pivotal moment in his career can listen to the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast:
