David Letterman Reveals Jimmy Kimmel Was in Bed After Show Cancellation

David Letterman Speaks Out on Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Halt

David Letterman, the legendary late-night host, recently shared his thoughts on the unexpected hiatus of Jimmy Kimmel's long-running show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" during an appearance at The Atlantic Festival 2025 in New York City. Letterman, who hosted "The Late Show" from 1993 to 2015, expressed his disappointment and concern over the situation.

Letterman described the decision as "misery," emphasizing that he feels bad about what has happened. He pointed out that the move is part of a broader trend of media being influenced by powerful forces. “It’s managed media. And it’s no good. It’s silly. It’s ridiculous. And you can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office,” he said.

He added, “The institution of the President of the United States ought to be bigger than a guy doing a talk show.” Letterman also suggested that the removal of Kimmel’s show might have been planned, referencing the previous cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show.

Kimmel's Response and the Situation Surrounding His Show

Letterman mentioned that Kimmel reached out to him via text on Thursday morning. “He’s up in bed, taking nourishment. He’s going to be fine,” he said, which drew laughter from the audience. Despite the setback, Kimmel seems to be handling the situation with resilience.

Kimmel had previously faced backlash after making comments about the death of right-wing media personality Charlie Kirk. In a recent episode, he criticized the MAGA Gang for trying to distance themselves from the individual responsible for Kirk's death. Kimmel also expressed condolences to Kirk's family on social media, calling for a moment of reflection on the issue of gun violence.

Nexstar Media, a major local broadcast company, responded to Kimmel’s comments by stating that it strongly objects to them and plans to replace Kimmel’s show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets. This move comes as Nexstar prepares to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion, which would place it in 80% of America's TV-owning households. However, the deal requires final approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is currently under the control of Donald Trump.

Brendan Carr, chair of the FCC, praised Nexstar for pressuring ABC to remove Kimmel’s show, stating that it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.

Political Reactions and Public Concerns

While some political figures, like former President Donald Trump, celebrated the decision on his Truth Social platform, others voiced their concerns. Trump claimed it was "great news for America" and took aim at fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers. He wrote, “That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.”

On the other hand, several major figures in entertainment and politics, including former President Barack Obama, expressed their worries over the move. The situation highlights the growing tension between media outlets and political pressures, raising questions about freedom of expression and the role of the FCC in regulating content.

The Broader Implications

Letterman’s comments reflect a larger conversation about the influence of power and politics on media. His experience hosting "The Late Show" for over two decades gives him a unique perspective on how media institutions operate. He recalled joking about six presidents on air and noted that “not once were we squeezed by anyone from any governmental agency, let alone the dreaded FCC.”

In a humorous take, he joked about the FCC, saying, “This guy [at] the FCC said ‘We can do things the easy way. We can do things the hard way’. Who is hiring these goons? Mario Puzo.” This lighthearted comment underscores the frustration many in the media feel about regulatory pressures.

As the situation surrounding Kimmel’s show continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will affect the landscape of late-night television and the broader media environment. For now, fans are left waiting for more updates from Kimmel himself.