One of the most anticipated moments for the staff of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” arrived when they learned about the show’s return to the airwaves. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, a member of the show’s team shared the behind-the-scenes story of how they received the long-awaited news. The announcement that host Jimmy Kimmel would be back on television screens on Tuesday, September 23, brought a wave of relief and joy among the staff.
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The revelation of the show’s revival came simultaneously with the Walt Disney Company’s official statement on Monday, September 22. The staff disclosed that they were informed via an email from the executive producer, delivering the good news and instructing everyone to report for work the following day. Despite the succinct nature of the message, the employees were ecstatic about the prospect of returning to work.
Disney had previously halted production of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely after Kimmel sparked controversy with his remarks regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator. The decision to suspend the show was made to prevent further escalation of tensions during a particularly sensitive period. However, after thoughtful discussions with Kimmel, Disney announced the show’s imminent return.
The staff member shared their surprise at the sudden turn of events, as they had not anticipated a swift resolution to the situation. Describing the collective reaction of the team as a mix of relief and joy, they expressed eagerness to witness Kimmel’s upcoming monologue. The show is scheduled to tape its episodes in Los Angeles from September 23 to September 26 before relocating to Brooklyn the following week.
The hiatus of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” had left the employees in a state of uncertainty, with no clear indication of the show’s future. The decision to suspend production came shortly after Kimmel’s on-air comments about Kirk, which drew strong reactions from broadcasting affiliates nationwide. Despite the unexpected suspension, the staff remained hopeful for a positive outcome and eagerly awaited further updates from the network.
The controversial remarks made by Kimmel regarding Kirk’s tragic death prompted broadcast companies Nexstar and Sinclair to condemn the late-night host and pull the show from their ABC affiliates. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, leading to a ripple effect that impacted Kimmel’s show and its production.
As the show prepares to resume its broadcast, the anticipation among the staff is palpable, with a sense of optimism and readiness to delve back into the world of late-night television. The journey from uncertainty and suspension to the show’s reinstatement has been a rollercoaster for the team, highlighting the complexities and challenges of navigating the media landscape.
In conclusion, the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” signifies a fresh start for the show and its dedicated staff, who weathered a storm of controversy and uncertainty. With the support of the network and the unwavering commitment of the team, the show is poised to make a triumphant comeback, delighting viewers and fans alike with its signature blend of entertainment and wit.