Jimmy Kimmel Says ABC ‘Was About to Close a Deal’ for Jon Stewart to Host Late Night When Execs Watched Kimmel’s Tape; Bob Iger Told Him: ‘You’re Cheaper’

In a recent podcast, Jimmy Kimmel shared an intriguing story about how he almost lost the ABC late-night hosting gig to Jon Stewart back in the early 2000s. Kimmel revealed that ABC executives were on the verge of finalizing a deal with Stewart when they watched Kimmel's audition tape. Bob Iger, the then-CEO of ABC, humorously remarked that Kimmel was the cheaper option. This revelation highlights the competitive nature of late-night television and how close Kimmel came to a different career path, making it a fascinating insight for fans of both comedians.