Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Cancellation Surprises Family

Molly McNerney, wife of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, shared that their children were taken aback upon hearing that their father’s ABC show had been canceled. The kids, aged 11 and 8, immediately wondered if President Donald Trump played a role in the decision.

In a recent podcast episode, McNerney explained that she and Kimmel decided to break the news to their daughter and son right after receiving the call about the show’s cancellation. They wanted to handle it delicately, so they “put masks on” when the kids came home from school but ultimately sat them down to share the news.

She mentioned how their phones buzzed incessantly with notifications, creating a chaotic atmosphere. Kimmel then told the children, “The show has been canceled,” which led to an emotional response from their daughter, who began to cry.

“My daughter immediately started crying and said, ‘I’m going to sell you the love bus,’” McNerney recounted. When their son asked if the president had something to do with it, both parents responded affirmatively. McNerney later reflected, saying, “Jimmy and I both believed that night that the show would never come back.”

During the interview, McNerney also touched on her strained relationships with family members who support Trump. She mentioned emailing them several times before the election with reasons not to vote for him, but felt largely ignored or faced with extreme reactions.

“I’m so hurt because of the personal relationships that I have right now. My husband is out there fighting this guy, and for me to vote for Trump is like voting against my husband and our family. Unfortunately, I’ve lost relationships because of that,” she added.

In September, Disney suspended Kimmel after he suggested that the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk might be linked to MAGA influences, even though it was found that the assailant was driven by left-wing ideology. Broadcast affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair also declined to air the show, leading to additional tension.

Nexstar deemed Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in the national political debate,” stating they hoped for a return to respectful dialogue. After a brief suspension, Kimmel returned, clarifying that he never intended to undermine the gravity of the situation.

“The day he was killed, I posted a message on Instagram to send my love and sympathy to his family. I meant it, and I still do,” Kimmel emphasized in his monologue.