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Jimmy Kimmel Reflects on Hosting Journey and Choices

10/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel described his rise as host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on a podcast with Ted Danson.
ABC initially considered hiring Jon Stewart for the role, but Lloyd Braun (ABC executive) and Bob Iger (ABC executive) chose Kimmel after watching his audition tape.
Kimmel recalled Iger's comment that he was chosen because he was cheaper.
Kimmel would hire Jon Stewart 100 times out of 100 if given the choice.

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Story summary

Jimmy Kimmel described his rise as host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on a podcast with Ted Danson.
ABC initially considered hiring Jon Stewart for the role, but Lloyd Braun (ABC executive) and Bob Iger (ABC executive) chose Kimmel after watching his audition tape.
Kimmel recalled Iger's comment that he was chosen because he was cheaper.
Kimmel would hire Jon Stewart 100 times out of 100 if given the choice.