Jimmy Kimmel Reveals Early Career Struggles and Desire for Show Cancellation Amid ABC Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel, the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, recently revealed in a podcast interview that during the early days of his late-night show, he often felt overwhelmed and uncertain, even praying for the show's cancellation. He candidly admitted to struggling with the pressure of producing the show, especially due to a lack of guests, sometimes resorting to calling friends like then-girlfriend Sarah Silverman and other comedian friends repeatedly to fill the lineup. Despite these challenges, Kimmel was determined not to quit to avoid disappointing his staff and eventually found his footing by developing recurring segments and stabilizing the show's format. This reflection came after a recent controversy involving comments he made about Charlie Kirk's death, which led to a brief suspension of his show. Though his initial return saw high viewership, maintaining that momentum has been a challenge, with efforts ongoing to revive audience numbers. Kimmel's experience highlights the difficulties of sustaining a late-night show and the resilience required to navigate public and professional pressures.