Jimmy Kimmel Names Rosie O’Donnell Host During Upcoming Leave
Jimmy Kimmel announced that he will pause hosting his ABC program for two months beginning in early July. The Disney‑ABC sitcom will continue with a lineup of guest hosts, including Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, Jelly Roll, and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, according to the network’s press release.
The break follows the network’s decision to temporarily remove the show from the air in September after Kimmel criticized Republican reactions to the death of commentator Charlie Kirk. The suspension lasted nearly a week and prompted complaints from several Republican officials, as well as FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s threat of regulatory action.
Kimmel returned to the studio on September 23, addressing the controversy and stressing the value of free speech. The episode drew over six million viewers. The upcoming guest‑host schedule will keep the nightly program airing while Kimmel takes his voluntary hiatus.