In his final broadcast of 2025, renowned late-night host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a heartfelt monologue, reflecting on the trials and tribulations of the past year.
Kimmel, known for his candid commentary, didn't shy away from expressing the emotional strain the year had imposed on him.
"This has been a strange year. It's been a hard year," Kimmel confessed during the opening of Thursday night's show, as reported by the Daily Mail. "We've had some lows, we've had some highs. For me, maybe more than any year of my life."
Kimmel expressed gratitude to his loyal audience, attributing his resilience during a tumultuous year to their unwavering support. "This year, you literally pulled us out of a hole, and we cannot thank you enough personally," he said, acknowledging the challenges of his profession amidst the backdrop of societal unrest.
Kimmel, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, has often used his platform to scrutinize Trump's policies and rhetoric. This outspokenness led to a contentious relationship with the Trump administration, culminating in a brief suspension of his show by ABC in September.
The suspension came after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, cautioned the network about potential licensing risks due to Kimmel's content.
The suspension sparked a wave of controversy, raising concerns about First Amendment rights and potential governmental interference in private broadcasting. Kimmel's wife and head writer, Molly McNearney, candidly shared her fears about the future of her husband's career at The Hollywood Reporter's Women In Entertainment brunch. "It is a fragile time for freedom," she said.
Despite the professional turmoil, Kimmel's show was reinstated within a week, and he secured a one-year contract extension, ensuring his presence on the show until May 2027.
However, Kimmel's challenges in 2025 extended beyond his professional life. He mourned the loss of his best friend and longtime band leader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away due to complications from a liver transplant. He also spoke emotionally about the wildfires that ravaged large parts of Los Angeles.
Kimmel acknowledged the impact of the broader national mood on his personal wellbeing, noting how deeply political and social turmoil had affected him. Yet, he credited late-night comedy for providing a sense of solace amidst the chaos.
"When I hear from people who tell me that they watch our show, and the shows that my friends and colleagues do on the other channels, and that it makes them feel less crazy, it makes me feel less crazy too," Kimmel said.
In a final note of solidarity, Kimmel extended his message beyond American borders, expressing hope for a better future. "There is still much more good in this country than bad, and we hope that you will bear with us during this extended psychotic episode that we're in the middle of," he concluded.
Kimmel's candid reflection on the past year serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those in the public eye, the importance of free speech, and the power of comedy to provide solace in times of turmoil. His resilience and commitment to his craft, despite personal and professional adversity, underscore the enduring spirit of American entertainment.
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