Jimmy Fallon canceled his planned appearance at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival in New York City on Thursday, surprising attendees just hours before the session. The “Tonight Show” host was set to join a panel titled “Staying On Brand” with moderator Jeff Beer to discuss his upcoming NBC reality series “On Brand.”
Instead, organizers told the audience that Fallon would not be attending. “In light of recent events, Jimmy couldn’t be here,” a spokesperson said, per Business Insider.
Kimmel’s Show Pulled From ABC’s Schedule
The cancellation came as fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel faced changes to his own schedule. ABC confirmed on Wednesday, Sept. 17, that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” had been placed on indefinite hiatus.
In its place, ABC filled the 11:35 p.m. slot with reruns of “Celebrity Family Feud” on Wednesday and Thursday. According to Variety, a memo sent to more than 150 affiliates explained that the game show would temporarily step in while the network decides on the program’s future.
Affiliate Stations Adjust Programming
Variety reported that ABC affiliate groups quickly reshaped their schedules following the announcement. Sinclair, one of the largest affiliate groups, confirmed it would air a special in Kimmel’s time slot on Friday and share it with other ABC stations. Nexstar Media also announced it would replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with alternate programming across its markets.
Celebrity Family Feud Steps Into Late-Night Slot
As per Variety, for now, “Celebrity Family Feud” has taken over the late-night hour, with Steve Harvey’s fan-favorite series providing lighthearted entertainment in place of new episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The shift underscores the uncertainty across late-night TV as networks adapt to unexpected changes.
Stars Show Support for Jimmy Kimmel
The hiatus quickly drew reactions from Hollywood. Celebrities, including Ben Stiller, Sophia Bush, Don Lemon, Kathy Griffin, and Wanda Sykes, voiced their support for Kimmel.
Sykes, who had been scheduled to appear on the show, posted a video on Instagram with the message: “Love you, Jimmy.” Stiller also reacted on X, writing, “This isn’t right,” in response to the news.
Jimmy Kimmel Spotted After ABC Hiatus Announcement
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was photographed leaving his Hollywood studio on Wednesday evening, just hours after ABC confirmed it would place “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on indefinite hiatus.
Kimmel was captured on video leaving his Hollywood studios shortly after news of the show’s suspension was announced. He wore a black cap, plaid shirt, and backpack, keeping his head down as he climbed into a waiting car.
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