Jimmy Kimmel, in his final 2025 show, emotionally thanked viewers for their support during a challenging year marked by his suspension, political attacks, and personal loss, emphasizing the importance of his audience in helping him and his team through tough times.
Jimmy Kimmel paid emotional tribute to his childhood friend and longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away at 59, sharing memories of their friendship and his impact on the show and his life.
Jimmy Kimmel is mourning the death of his longtime friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away at 59. Escobedo, a talented saxophonist and childhood friend of Kimmel from Las Vegas, was a key part of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' and had a successful music career. His death was announced by Kimmel on Instagram, and the cause and date remain unknown. Escobedo's family, including his wife and children, survive him, and his loss is deeply felt in the entertainment community.
Jimmy Kimmel announced the death of his close friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who led the band on his show for over 20 years. Kimmel described Escobedo as a great friend, father, and musician, highlighting their lifelong friendship and collaboration. Escobedo, a talented musician from Las Vegas, was a key part of Kimmel's show and their personal bond was deeply cherished. The news follows a recent postponement of a show for a personal matter.
Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a childhood friend of Kimmel, has died at age 59 after falling ill, ending a 20-year collaboration and a friendship that began in childhood in Las Vegas.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! was unexpectedly canceled on November 6 due to a personal matter involving Kimmel, with ABC providing limited details and fans being reassured that the show will return as scheduled.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! experienced a significant ratings boost after returning from a suspension, with 6.3 million viewers on its first night, though ratings declined afterward but remain higher than previous averages, prompting Kimmel to address the ratings and station bans on his show.
Jimmy Kimmel is returning to ABC stations owned by Sinclair after being off the air in D.C. and other markets since Disney reinstated his show on September 26, 2025.
Jimmy Kimmel's return to ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' after suspension resulted in his highest ratings in years, with approximately 6.26 million viewers, despite being preempted in some markets. The episode also gained significant social media attention, and Kimmel addressed the controversy surrounding his comments, emphasizing his intent and remorse. The show’s resurgence occurred amid ongoing debates about free speech and media influence.
Jimmy Kimmel's return to 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' after a suspension drew 6.2 million viewers, nearly four times his average, despite a significant affiliate boycott, highlighting strong audience interest and ratings rebound.
ABC is bringing Kimmel back to air, but some station owners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, are boycotting his show in several markets such as D.C., Seattle, and Nashville, by continuing to preempt it.
Jimmy Kimmel's show will return to ABC on Tuesday after being suspended last week due to a controversial monologue criticizing Republicans and Donald Trump following Charlie Kirk's murder, but it will not be aired on Sinclair-owned stations which are preempting it for news programming amid ongoing discussions with ABC.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Jimmy Kimmel's planned Brooklyn residency and future on ABC are uncertain following the network's decision to pull his show amid political controversy and FCC pressure, raising questions about the show's return and Kimmel's relationship with Disney.
Stephen Colbert celebrated his Emmy win by thanking his team and humorously criticizing Donald Trump for his longstanding grievances about not winning an Emmy, highlighting Trump's dislike for award shows and his complaints about 'The Apprentice.'
Jimmy Fallon and other comedians humorously critique President Trump's renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, highlighting the cost and satirical implications, while also touching on Trump's recent activities and upcoming TV promotions.