# Jimmy Kimmel Opens Up About Nearly Losing His Job as Host of ABC Late-Night Talk Show

In a recent episode of Ted Danson's "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" podcast, Jimmy Kimmel shared an interesting anecdote about his past. The late-night talk show host revealed that he nearly lost the job of hosting an ABC late-night talk show to none other than Jon Stewart.

## The Story Behind the Near Miss

For those who may not be familiar with the situation, here's a brief summary: Jimmy Kimmel took over as host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in 2003 after Craig Kilborn left the show. However, it was announced that the network would be reviving its "Late Show" franchise on ABC, and Jon Stewart, who had been hosting "The Daily Show" at the time, was considered to take over the new late-night slot.

According to Kimmel, he was in a meeting with network executives when it was revealed that Stewart was not interested in taking the job. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, and many wondered if Kimmel had been given an unfair shot at the role.

## Kimmel's Account of the Event

In his podcast appearance, Kimmel shared his account of what happened next:

"I was sitting in a meeting with some people from ABC, and they told us that Jon Stewart wasn't interested. I was like, 'What? That's crazy!' And then they said, 'But we're offering it to you.' And I'm thinking, 'What am I supposed to do? It's a huge job!'"

Kimmel went on to explain how the meeting had left him feeling both relieved and concerned:

"I was relieved that I wasn't getting offered the job, but at the same time, I was worried about what I'd be doing next. I mean, this is a huge show, and it's a big responsibility."

## The Aftermath

In hindsight, Kimmel realizes that losing out on the job to Jon Stewart might have been a blessing in disguise:

"Looking back, I think that would've been a disaster for me. I mean, I was still finding my footing as a host at the time, and I wasn't ready to take on something like 'The Late Show'. Plus, it's not like I had anything else lined up. So, in some ways, I'm glad it worked out."

Kimmel also took the opportunity to praise Stewart, acknowledging that he was (and still is) a talented comedian:

"Jon Stewart is an incredible guy, and I think he would've done amazing things with 'The Late Show' if he had taken the job. He's got such a unique perspective on current events, and I think audiences would love him."

## Conclusion

Jimmy Kimmel's story serves as a reminder that even in the world of entertainment, opportunities can come and go in an instant. While it's easy to get caught up in what could've been, it's also essential to appreciate the hand you're dealt.

For Kimmel, losing out on the job to Jon Stewart might have been a near miss, but it allowed him to find his footing as a host and develop into one of the most beloved figures in late-night television. As he joked with Ted Danson during their podcast appearance, "It was like I got a chance to fail without anyone watching."

And that's a story worth sharing.