In a bold move that’s sure to spark debate, Jimmy Kimmel has thrown his weight behind Dana Walden as the next CEO of Disney, declaring, ‘She’s done a great job.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: Kimmel’s endorsement comes on the heels of his own high-profile suspension and a heated debate over free speech—a saga that has left Hollywood divided. Could this be a strategic move, or is Kimmel genuinely convinced Walden is the right choice? Let’s dive in.
During a recent interview with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw at Screentime in Los Angeles, Kimmel was asked the million-dollar question: Who will succeed Bob Iger as Disney’s CEO? Despite acknowledging it would be ‘very foolish’ to comment—given his role as one of Disney’s top talents—Kimmel couldn’t resist praising Walden. ‘I happen to love Dana Walden very much, and I think she’s done a great job,’ he said. This isn’t just idle chatter; Kimmel’s interactions with Disney’s executive team, including Walden and Iger, have been extensive, especially during his recent suspension saga.
And this is the part most people miss: Kimmel’s support for Walden is deeply tied to his reflection on the unfair treatment he believes Disney executives faced during his suspension. ‘I think what has happened over the last three weeks was very unfair to my bosses at Disney,’ he explained. ‘I hope we drew a really bold red line as Americans about what we will and will not accept.’ This statement raises a thought-provoking question: Can a company’s leadership truly be judged by how they handle crises, or is Kimmel’s perspective clouded by personal experience?
Kimmel’s suspension, which followed his comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassin on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, ignited a firestorm. His remarks went viral, sparking backlash from figures like FCC chair Brendan Carr, who threatened ABC’s affiliate licenses. Disney’s decision to suspend the show for less than a week was met with widespread support from Hollywood’s creative community, but it also left Kimmel questioning his future. ‘I thought my run might be over,’ he admitted, reflecting on past controversies like his 2004 comments about Detroit, which nearly cost him his show.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Kimmel revealed that during his suspension, he had ‘really good conversations’ with Walden and Iger. ‘We all wanted this to work out best,’ he said. But the drama didn’t come without a cost. ‘I ruined Dana’s weekend,’ Kimmel joked, referring to the nonstop phone calls. Yet, he credits these conversations with helping him think through the situation and understand different perspectives. ‘I can sometimes be reactionary, aggressive, and unpleasant,’ he admitted. ‘Having those days to think about it was helpful.’
As Kimmel returned to the airwaves, his nearly 30-minute opening monologue delivered record ratings. But what’s more fascinating is how he approached his comeback. Instead of a scripted apology, Kimmel and Disney agreed on the ‘spirit’ of his comments. ‘It had to be truthful,’ he said. ‘I had to lay it all out there.’ This raises another question: In an era of cancel culture, is authenticity the best strategy for survival?
Kimmel also weighed in on the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, dismissing reports that it was due to financial losses. ‘It just doesn’t make any sense,’ he said, pointing out the overlooked value of affiliate fees. When asked about the cost of producing his own show, Kimmel confirmed a staggering $120 million. But here’s the kicker: He believes late-night TV can survive—at a cost. ‘The idea that these shows need to cost $120 million is crazy,’ he argued. ‘Somebody will figure it out.’ Could this be a call for the industry to rethink its priorities?
Finally, Kimmel addressed the Riyadh Comedy Festival controversy, which has divided the comedy world. While he wouldn’t have participated himself, he empathized with those who did. ‘Nothing’s black and white,’ he said. ‘If we close ourselves off to the world, maybe it’s not good.’ This nuanced take invites a broader discussion: Where do we draw the line between cultural exchange and ethical compromise?
Now, over to you: Do you think Kimmel’s endorsement of Walden is justified, or is it influenced by his recent experiences? And what’s your take on the future of late-night TV—can it adapt to survive in a changing media landscape? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
