Oct 01, 2025BusinessUSThe Hollywood Reporter

Jimmy Kimmel Opens Up About Show Suspension: An 'Emotional Roller Coaster'

Two late-night TV hosts sharing a moment on stage, representing camaraderie in the entertainment industry

Jimmy Kimmel has always been the guy who can make you laugh through the tough stuff, but on Tuesday night's episode of The Late Show, he got real about one of the hardest chapters of his career. Stopping by to chat with his longtime pal Stephen Colbert, Kimmel opened up for the first time since his ABC show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, hit the pause button after a suspension on September 17.

Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert

The conversation kicked off with Colbert diving right into the elephant in the room. Kimmel didn't hold back, describing the ordeal as an "emotional roller coaster." Picture this: one day you're hosting your hit show, cracking jokes and interviewing A-listers, and the next, you're sidelined by network decisions that feel out of your control. For Kimmel, it was a whirlwind of uncertainty, support from fans, and the kind of introspection that comes with unexpected downtime.

As two of late-night TV's biggest names, Kimmel and Colbert shared laughs and knowing nods, reflecting on how the industry has changed. Kimmel talked about the pressure of keeping a show fresh amid ratings battles and corporate shifts at ABC. It's a reminder that even the stars we see on screen are navigating their own personal storms—suspensions, comebacks, and all.

What does this mean for Jimmy Kimmel Live! moving forward? Kimmel seems optimistic, hinting at fresh segments and a renewed energy now that he's back. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief; late-night humor isn't going anywhere, and neither is Kimmel's signature wit.

For the full story and more details from the interview, check out the original reporting from The Hollywood Reporter.