Jimmy Kimmel Reveals ABC Nearly Chose Jon Stewart before ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Jimmy Kimmel disclosed on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast Wednesday that ABC was on the verge of selecting Jon Stewart to host a late-night talk show before ultimately offering the position to him. The revelation underscores a pivotal moment in television history and raises questions about what could have been for both comedians and the network.
According to Kimmel, ABC sought a conventional late-night format and was prepared to hire Stewart before a last-minute shift in preference. The decision, facilitated by ABC chairman Lloyd Braun and then-CEO Bob Iger, hinged on a perceived cost difference. This near-miss highlights the often-unpredictable nature of network television and the significant impact of budgetary considerations on creative choices.
“They wanted a traditional late night talk show in that slot, which nobody knew,” Kimmel explained.”They were almost about to hire Jon Stewart,and Jon and I have the same manager,James ‘Baby Doll’ Dixon. And James was about to close this deal for Jon to host the show.” Braun reportedly favored stewart after reviewing a tape, and Iger concurred.
Kimmel acknowledged the situation was “very strange,” as their shared manager, Dixon, was tasked with informing Stewart he hadn’t secured the role. “Because Jon and I had the same manager, now [Dixon’s] in the difficult position of having to tell Jon, ‘Uh, you’re not going to ABC, but Jimmy is going to ABC,'” Kimmel said.
Despite landing the gig, Kimmel expressed regret that ABC didn’t choose stewart. “That was a mistake incidentally speaking. They definitely should’ve hired Jon. If I’m in that position,there’s no question I hire Jon 100 times out of a 100,” he stated. He further revealed that iger admitted the deciding factor was cost: “You were cheaper.”
Jimmy kimmel Live! premiered in January 2003. Stewart hosted The Daily Show on Comedy Central from 1998 until 2015, and has since returned to the programme. The podcast appearance offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that shaped the late-night landscape for decades.
