Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Himself and Disney, Claims Hiring Cost ‘Billions’ in One of His Sharpest Upfront Jokes Yet
Jimmy Kimmel turned Disney’s 2026 upfront presentation into a full-on comedy roast, delivering a mix of politics, network drama, and self-deprecating humor in front of executives and advertisers. The late-night host joked that ABC’s decision to hire him more than two decades ago might just be the worst financial move the company has ever made.
Speaking at Disney’s annual upfront event in New York, Kimmel quipped that he had caused the company “billions” in damage this year. “Hiring me 24 years ago, just from a purely mathematical standpoint, was the worst personnel decision that Disney Corporation has ever made,” he said, comparing himself humorously to the captain of the Exxon Valdez while roasting his own ABC history (via Deadline).
Kimmel didn’t shy away from referencing his political controversies over the past year, including backlash over remarks connected to conservative activist Charlie Kirk and criticism from First Lady Melania Trump. “The President has tried to get me twice over the last six months,” he joked, turning the scrutiny into a ratings punchline for ABC platforms.
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host also poked fun at rival networks, late-night television, and upcoming TV projects. He ribbed Stephen Colbert, CBS canceling The Late Show, ABC programming, and even Super Bowl halftime plans, joking that the network was quickly becoming “least likely to offend the President.”
Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, making him one of the longest-running late-night hosts on network television. Despite constant political controversies and online criticism, the show remains relevant thanks to viral monologues, celebrity interviews, and digital clips. His aggressive, boundary-pushing comedy style has cemented him as one of the most talked-about late-night personalities during the Trump era.
With his razor-sharp humor and fearless approach, Kimmel turned what could have been a routine upfront presentation into a memorable evening of laughs, jabs, and pointed commentary — proving that even after two decades, he’s still one of late night’s most unpredictable and talked-about stars.
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