Jimmy Kimmel’s Wife Discusses Family Reaction to Show Suspension

On the November 6 episode of the podcast “We Can Do Hard Things,” Molly McNerney, who is married to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, opened up about how their family handled the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” McNerney, who is also a writer and producer for the show, mentioned that their 11-year-old daughter was very upset and cried when she learned about the cancellation. Meanwhile, their 8-year-old son seemed to seek answers, asking if President Trump had something to do with it.

The suspension occurred in mid-September after Kimmel faced backlash regarding comments he made about a suspect in an assassination case. After some time away from the show, he returned the following week.

McNerney recalled how they decided to inform their kids about the suspension, saying they initially chose to “make their kids wear masks” at home, but felt it was better to tell them the truth before they heard it from anyone else. She quoted Kimmel as saying, “Our show… my show has been interrupted,” which elicited tears from their daughter.

Her son’s inquisitive nature led him to question whether the president had played a role in the show’s fate. McNerney remembered being taken aback, unsure how to answer. It was a moment filled with hesitation; she reflected that she ended up saying “yes” along with Kimmel.

McNerney also touched on a more personal note, sharing that she has struggled with familial relationships following political disagreements, particularly with relatives who supported Trump. She expressed feelings of hurt over this loss, describing how her husband fights against the Trump administration and how that has affected her connections.

For McNerney, politics transcends party lines—it’s more about “family values.” She reflected on her upbringing and her Christian beliefs in caring for the vulnerable, and candidly acknowledged feeling at odds with what she perceives as a lack of compassion within the Republican Party. Her frustrations often spill over into her personal life, where she grapples with lingering anger toward relatives.

It was clear that these dynamics are challenging for her. She expressed a desire to, perhaps, “deprogram” herself, as navigating these feelings is complex and exhausting. McNerney even made attempts to reach out to conservative family members ahead of the 2024 election, hoping to dissuade them from voting for Trump.

In response to previous discussions about these topics, comments from figures like White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson highlighted that many Americans prioritize political stances like lower taxes and security, suggesting that opinions like those of McNerney and Kimmel are part of a larger debate.