On Wednesday, Sept. 17, ABC announced the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the comments Kimmel made about the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on the Sept. 15 episode of the popular talk show. Since then, the suspension has been the main topic of discussion across social media, news outlets, and late-night television circles, with fans and critics weighing in on both the network’s decision and Kimmel’s controversial remarks.
Now, one of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! staff members has decided to speak out about the situation in a new interview. The staff member, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke with veteran journalist Rick Ellis for his Too Much TV newsletter and shared their perspective on the tense atmosphere behind the scenes, concerns over job security, and their doubts that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will ever return to ABC.
They explained that while working on the late-night talk show has been great for them, everything surrounding it has been incredibly stressful and discouraging. They shared that they feel ABC and Disney are more concerned with avoiding controversy and protecting profits than supporting their employees. And if the higher-ups ever felt the talk show’s content could threaten the company’s image or revenue, the staffer said they believe they wouldn’t hesitate to suspend the program without a second thought. Well, we're seeing that happen now.
"At least for me, the show itself has been great. But everything around it has sucked. Because it was becoming increasingly clear in recent weeks that Sir Iger and the ABC executives would cut us loose in a second if they thought something we did might hurt attendance at Disney World or cost anyone their annual bonus." - Anonymous staffer
The staffer then went on to explain to Ellis that they weren't shocked by the show's suspension, but were more surprised by the timing. However, they stated there were clear warning signs that a suspension was possible, so it wasn’t completely out of the blue. Whenever conservative critics complained about the show, the staffer shared that they would feel growing anxiety and dread, fearing it might trigger ABC’s decision to act.
"On one hand, no. Because I had zero faith that any of the network execs had the slightest bit of stones to stand up for their employees. I mean, yeah, I was surprised it happened that specific day. But you could see it coming. Every time some MAGA asshat would spout off about the show, the knot in my stomach just got tighter." - Anonymous staffer
The staffer then goes on to describe the uncertainty and stress among the Jimmy Kimmel Live! team, stating that many employees rely on the show for their livelihoods and are now anxious about their future job security. They express their frustrations about how some people in Hollywood have stayed silent instead of speaking out or helping the staff. For those people, the staffer had some choice words. But they also urged colleagues to step in by helping those affected secure jobs.
"There are a lot of people working on the show who can't afford to be out of work. They have jobs that won't pay them if they don't work. And they likely don't have much money saved up. If you're in Hollywood and don't want to say anything in support publicly...well, f*ck you. But one thing you can do is find a job for one of the staffers who need it right now. Even if it means digging into your own pocket. Spending a little of your own money is the least you can do. And honestly, it is the least you can do." - Anonymous staffer
Now, what did the staffer have to say about Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s future on ABC? Well, the staffer revealed they can’t envision the show coming back. They believe that even if Kimmel apologized or made concessions, the conservative critics would never be satisfied, and Disney would likely choose the easier route of ending the show for good and airing reruns of other shows instead.
"I want to think it will. But I can't imagine a scenario in which that happens. Even if Jimmy was willing to publicly apologize and donate money to whatever ghoulish conservative group that is demanding it....MAGA people will never be happy. It will never be enough. And Disney will look at the situation and decide it's cheaper to buy out the rest of his contract and replace the show with reruns of Modern Family and Judge Judy." - Anonymous staffer
It's been a few days since the announcement of Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s suspension. While the future of the talk show remains uncertain, we'll be sure to keep you constantly updated on everything.