Jimmy Kimmel made his much-anticipated return to the late-night comedy show, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, on Tuesday, 8 September, after a three-month hiatus. The show had been hosted by various guest presenters during Kimmel’s annual summer break.
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At the beginning of his monologue, Kimmel light-heartedly compared his summer activities to those of former President Donald Trump. “Donald Trump and I have one thing in common,” the comedian quipped. “We both accomplished nothing all summer long.” His jest set the tone for the evening, as Kimmel proceeded to poke fun at the political landscape, which, he said, had been challenging prior to his break.
Referencing a range of contemporary issues, Kimmel stated, “This country was a mess” when he left, mentioning high fuel costs, the conflict in Iran, and questions over Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s health. However, his tone took a humorous turn as he remarked that all these problems had seemingly been resolved during his absence. “It said on Truth Social he made America great again,” Kimmel said, referring to Trump. “Are you telling me the president of the United States had three full months and spent $20 million and couldn’t even get a pool cleaned?”
One notable element of Kimmel’s return was a playful analysis of Trump’s appearance, specifically his hair. Pulling up an image, Kimmel jested, “Is it possible to have a mid-life crisis at 80 years old? He’s aging in reverse. He’s our own little Benjamin Glutton.” The host’s sharp yet comedic assessments continued throughout his broadcast, providing a substantial dose of levity for viewers.
In a nod to his colleague Guillermo Rodriguez, Kimmel mentioned his friend’s upcoming appearance on *Dancing with the Stars*, creating a light-hearted segue in the monologue. In addition to sharing jovial anecdotes, Kimmel presented a montage showcasing Trump’s “best worst moments of the summer”, further highlighting the political absurdities that unfolded in recent months.
The episode also marked a significant milestone for the show, celebrating its 4,000th episode. In a direct message to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, Kimmel referenced speculation regarding the show’s longevity, declaring, “There are those who said we will never last this long. There are even those who used the regulatory might of the FCC to unconstitutionally try to make sure we didn’t last this long. But we did it the hard way, Brendan, and we are still here.”
Kimmel’s return came after a summer filled with various guest hosts, including Anthony Anderson and Rosie O’Donnell, creating buzz about the show’s future. In response to recent unfounded reports regarding the potential end of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, an ABC Entertainment spokesperson reaffirmed that such claims were “inaccurate”, emphasising that any discussions concerning the future of the programme remained speculative.
Fans can catch *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* weekly on weekdays at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC. The show has long been known for its blend of comedy, celebrity interviews, and social commentary, and Kimmel’s return has rejuvenated its audience with a fresh take on the political idiocy that often emerges in the spotlight.
Overall, Kimmel’s comeback not only served to entertain viewers but also provoked thought regarding current events. His ability to blend humor with genuine commentary on the political landscape continues to resonate with fans, keeping the show relevant in a time of ongoing social change. As his introduction reinforced, there is plenty to laugh about—and question—when it comes to the state of the nation.