Jimmy Kimmel Takes Summer Break with Guest Hosts

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel announced a two-month break from his ABC program starting July 6. The lineup of guest hosts includes Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, and Jelly Roll, according to an ABC press release. Rosie O’Donnell will also guest host, a known critic of Donald Trump.

“I hope you’re paying attention this summer, because I will be taking the next two months off — this time voluntarily,” Kimmel stated on his Thursday evening show. He humorously referenced his suspension last year due to remarks about reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death.

In 2025, his show faced a nearly week-long suspension following a controversial broadcast on September 15. Kimmel had criticized Republicans for their responses to the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Prominent Republican figures condemned the comments, and FCC Chair Brendan Carr considered regulatory action. The suspension led to protests at Walt Disney Studios and ABC headquarters.

“You understand it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said upon his show’s return on September 23. He addressed viewers emotionally, clarifying his stance.

That episode attracted over 6 million viewers. In his return monologue, Kimmel emphasized the importance of free speech:

“This show is not important,” Kimmel said. “What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”