Jon Stewart returns to ‘The Daily Show’ to address Jimmy Kimmel suspension
Following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live by ABC, Jon Stewart made a last-minute appearance as host of The Daily Show to air his feelings on the matter.
Stewart returned to The Daily Show in 2024 to host Monday night episodes in the run-up to the US election in November, and has remained a weekly fixture on the programme throughout Donald Trump’s second term.
While September 18th was a Thursday, Stewart needed to get some things off his chest in regards to Kimmel’s suspension following comments he made about the reaction from Trump and his wider base in reaction to the murder of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk. This led to a backlash from Nexstar Media, the Sinclair Group, and the FCC before ABC announced the suspension of Kimmel.
Rather than unleashing an angry rant, Stewart took the sarcastic approach with his political commentary. He was introduced as a “patriotically obedient host” with the host labelling Trump as “father” and a “dear leader”.
The comic also shared with viewers: “If you felt a little off these past couple of days, it’s probably because our great father has not been home, for father has been gracing England with his legendary warmth and radiance.”
While Stewart didn’t address Kimmel by name, he clearly referred to the incident by saying, “Our great administration has laid out very clear rules on free speech. Now some naysayers may argue that this administration’s speech concerns are merely a cynical ploy. A thin gruel of a ruse.”
Stewart continued, “A smoke screen to obscure an unprecedented consolidation of power and unitarian intimidation and coldly antithetical to any experiment in a constitutional republic governance. Some people would say that. Not me though. I think it’s great.”
Additionally, Jimmy Fallon used his nightly show to also address the situation, expressing support for his fellow late-night host, saying, “I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he’s a decent, funny, and loving guy. I hope he comes back.”
Stephen Colbert, who recently had The Late Show with Stephen Colbert cancelled by CBS amid criticism of the Trump regime, gave the strongest defence of Kimmel, defiantly stating, “Jimmy, I stand with you and your staff 100 per cent. This is blatant censorship.” He also said, “Tonight, we are all Jimmy Kimmel.”
Kimmel is yet to comment directly on his suspension.
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