Jimmy Kimmel shares untold story behind Jon Stewart’s ABC show

American television host Jimmy Kimmel recently revealed that his flagship show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was almost given to another well-known talk show host.

In a conversation with Ted Danson on his podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name, he shared that he was not the initial pick for the show.

The 57-year-old explained that, due to his lack of popularity in his early days, he was hired for The Late Night Show with Jimmy Kimmel. 

Jimmy was not even in competition with Jon Stewart, who was nearly chosen for the same spot.

The comedian said he and Jon, who was very successful at the time, shared the same manager, James Dixon, who was close to finalising the deal with ABC for Jon.

However, just before the papers were signed, ABC chairman Lloyd Braun watched Jimmy’s tape at the last moment and, in agreement with Bob Iger, decided to hire him instead.

Jimmy, confused about why he was chosen over Jon, asked Bob for an explanation, and he was told it was because Jimmy was “a lot cheaper.”

The father of two added that if it were up to him, he would not have hired himself, saying, “There’s no question I hire Jon 100 times out of 100.”

For context, Jon and Jimmy share a close bond, having been friends for many years, and are often seen supporting each other publicly.

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