Jon Stewart Emerges from Sewer to Surprise Jimmy Kimmel on Final NYC Night
On Friday, October 2, 2026, Jimmy Kimmel hosted his final episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in New York City. The show took a comedic turn when former 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart emerged from a manhole at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Stewart, dressed as an 'urban scavenger,' delivered a bit about feeding rats pizza and joked that Rudy Giuliani was still mayor. The appearance marked a notable send-off for Kimmel's 24-year run in the city, occurring amidst ongoing contract negotiations with Disney.
Key points
- Jimmy Kimmel hosted his final 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' episode in New York City on October 2, 2026, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
- Jon Stewart made a surprise entrance by emerging from a sewer manhole, prompting Kimmel to ask if he was an 'urban scavenger.'
- Stewart joked that he was bringing food to rats, comparing himself to a 'rat Santa,' and referenced a Mets game taking place in the sewer.
- The event occurred while Disney and Kimmel are in ongoing negotiations regarding the future of the show, with Kimmel's current contract set to expire in May 2027.
- Kimmel's final NYC night follows a period of uncertainty for the program, including a 2025 suspension and recent budget pressures at ABC.
Background
This event occurs against the backdrop of significant uncertainty regarding the future of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'. In September 2026, rumors circulated that the show might end in 2027, though ABC dismissed these as speculative. Disney's Dana Walden confirmed in early October that negotiations are ongoing but described the late-night daypart as 'challenging' due to shrinking broadcast audiences and budget pressures. Kimmel's contract runs through May 2027, and the show is set to begin its 25th season. The final NYC night serves as a symbolic conclusion to Kimmel's 24-year tenure in the city, following a turbulent period that included a 2025 suspension over controversial jokes.
Why it matters
The surprise appearance by Jon Stewart highlights the cultural significance of Jimmy Kimmel's departure from New York City after 24 years. It underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' as Disney and Kimmel negotiate a new deal amidst budget constraints and shifting audience demographics. The event also reflects the evolving landscape of late-night television, where legacy hosts are facing financial and contractual challenges.
What to watch
The next major development will be the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between Jimmy Kimmel and Disney regarding his contract, which expires in May 2027. If no agreement is reached, the show may end or move to a new location. Additionally, the show is set to begin its 25th season, with guests including Andrew Garfield and Joey King, as ABC continues to manage budget pressures in the late-night daypart.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on HuffPost