Jimmy Kimmel announces two-month hiatus, names Rosie O'Donnell among rotating guest hosts

Jimmy Kimmel said on Thursday that he will be off the air for the next two months, a voluntary break that begins the week of July 6. The ABC late-night program will be hosted by a rotating roster of comedians and actors, starting with Tiffany Haddish and later featuring Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, Jelly Roll and Rosie O'Donnell, according to an ABC press release.

"I hope you’re paying attention this summer, because I will be taking the next two months off — this time voluntarily," Kimmel said on his show, referencing a suspension he faced last year after remarks about reactions to the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

"And as a special treat for our commander in chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming. You’re welcome, and all I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone," he added.

Kimmel’s 2023 comments had led to a temporary removal of the show from the schedule and criticism from Republican officials, as well as a threat of regulatory action from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. The episode that followed his return drew more than six million viewers, during which he apologized for any perception of making light of Kirk’s death and defended free-speech protections.