Jon Stewart will take over hosting “The Daily Show’ on Thursday night, stepping in during a turbulent week for late-night television after ABC placed “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on hiatus. Deadline reported that Stewart, who typically appears only on Mondays, is returning to the desk as Desi Lydicâs guest-hosting run comes to a close.
The comedian is expected to address the uncertainty surrounding his friend Kimmelâs show.
ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! From Schedule
On Wednesday, September 17, The New York Times reported that ABC confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was going on an indefinite hiatus. In its place, the network filled the 11:35 p.m. slot with reruns of Celebrity Family Feud.
A memo sent to more than 150 affiliates explained that Steve Harveyâs fan-favorite game show would air on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Affiliate Stations Adjust Programming
Variety reported that affiliate groups quickly reshaped their schedules. Nexstar, the largest station group in the U.S., announced that it would drop Kimmelâs show from its ABC affiliates for the âforeseeable future.â
Sinclair Broadcast Group also confirmed that it would replace the program, offering a special broadcast in its place. Nexstar said it would continue with alternate programming across its markets.
Hollywood Shows Support for Kimmel
The hiatus sparked reactions from Hollywood stars. Wanda Sykes, who was scheduled to appear on Kimmelâs show, posted a video saying, âLove you, Jimmy.â Ben Stiller also weighed in on X, writing, âThis isnât right.â Sophia Bush, Don Lemon and Kathy Griffin joined the list of celebrities voicing their support for the longtime host.
Jason Bateman Speaks Out on Suspension During Today Appearance
Jason Bateman addressed the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! While promoting his new Netflix series “Black Rabbit” on the Today show. Host Craig Melvin asked the actor about his longtime friend Jimmy Kimmel, and Bateman didnât hold back.
âWell, itâs troubling to say the least. And we all have to really take a moment and figure out how we feel about this type of thing,â Bateman said, looking at Melvin. âEspecially, people doing what you do.â
The “Ozark” star noted that he expects a response to ABCâs decision.
âIâm sure thereâs going to be some sort of collective move to respond to this, but Iâm not smart enough or powerful enough to be the one to do it. But I imagine thereâs plenty of conversations going on to do something, because you just canât stand by and let stuff like that go on,â he added.
When Melvin pressed further, Bateman clarified that he was referring to Kimmelâs show being taken off the air. âWell, Jimmy getting his show pulled for freedom of speech,â he explained. The interview then moved on, but Batemanâs support for Kimmel was clear.
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