Rumour: Viewers speculate Chelsea Handler will replace Kimmel in 2023
Chelsea Handler was once one of late night’s most notable stars, hosting E!’s Chelsea Lately for seven years. On Monday night, she made a return to screens, filling in for Jimmy Kimmel. And, it seems viewers are already speculating the possibility of the comedian replacing the ABC host full time in 2023 after a successful first night.
Handler started last night’s episode speaking on the recent overturning of Roe v Wade during her monologue piece.
She began by mocking Fox News’s recent news coverage amid the Supreme Court decision: “Remember like 5 days ago when Fox News told us the biggest threat facing America was drag queens? That was cute.”
The guest host then joked on the issue, “At this point, I’d probably have more rights if my vagina was an AR-15.”
Handler continued, blasting Justice Clarence Thomas, a controversial figure associated with the Supreme Court decision. She told viewers, “I was thinking to myself, who would ever marry a pig like Clarence Thomas?”.
“That’s right, she was working behind the scenes to overturn a democratic election. Isn’t it so beautiful when two disgusting and awful people find each other? They are the ultimate abuse-of-power couple.”
From guest host to full-time host?
After Chelsea’s return to late night on Monday, fans have already taken to Twitter to speak on the possibility of the comedian finding a more regular gig on the ABC network once Jimmy Kimmel exits in 2023.
One user wrote: “Chelsea Handler will be guest hosting for Jimmy Kimmel this week. It’s no secret that Kimmel as longest running late night host has been considering hanging it up after 19 years. Looks like this could be Chelsea’s audition.”
Handler decided back in 2017 to sign off from her Netflix talk show to “focus on projects” which had “greater significance”.
So, could we see Chelsea take over from Jimmy Kimmel in 2023? It’s fair to say only time will tell.