Jimmy Kimmel will take a break from his show for the rest of the summer, CNN has confirmed. Kimmel announced his vacation in a humorous segment of his show featuring long-time nemesis and guest star Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting).
Kimmel assured his audience that the break is not due to health concerns, family troubles, or any other negative circumstances. “Tonight is my last new show for the summer. I’m taking the summer off to spend even more time with my family,” Kimmel explained in the clip above. Having been the host of his show for over 3,000 episodes over the last 19 years, Kimmel further explained that the break is to avoid burnout.
The show will continue without him, with several rotating guest stars taking over as host. Kimmel confirmed in his video that the first guest star to host the show will be Pharrell Williams (The Grinch). Additional guest hosts have not been announced at the time of publication. This is not the first time guest hosts have taken over while Kimmel stepped away. Guests hosts for Jimmy Kimmel Live! have included Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation), former Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, and many others others.
Production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! had halted on March 16th due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but resumed on March 30th after which the series was produced from Kimmel’s home.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs on the ABC Network at 12:05 AM EST. The series will go on hiatus starting Monday June 22nd, returning two weeks later on July 6th.