Talk shows are some of the TV programs that have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For much of last year, many shows had to film remote episodes in order to keep things going. While shows eventually returned to the studio, some are now going back to the remote format in light of rises in COVID cases, including Jimmy Kimmel Live!. But in addition to COVID-related alterations, Kimmel’s talk show is also going through a different kind of change.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! executive producer Sharon Hoffman has reportedly exited the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The news comes as a bit of a surprise given that Hoffman had only hired for the job seven months ago. The trade notes that the hiring seemed somewhat surprising at the time, given that her background is mostly based in news. The ex-producer’s resume includes stops at major news outlets like Entertainment Tonight, CBS Evening News and Good Morning America.
Around the time that Sharon Hoffman first arrived at Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the titular host had been taking the summer off, during which he spent some time with his family. With this, new EP Hoffman was tasked with overseeing the rotation of guest hosts who filled in. And when the show returned to the studio this past fall, she oversaw the transition back from the remote format.
At the time of this writing, a spokesperson for Jimmy Kimmel Live! has confirmed Hoffman’s exit, though no additional comments were provided. THR does, however, state that Kimmel will continue to oversee things on the program alongside his long-tenured EPs.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! actually isn’t the only notable talk show host to make recent behind-the-scenes changes that aren’t related to COVID. Last fall, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon tapped a new showrunner, a post that has constantly shifted on the program over the past few years. Around the same time, the show also lost its head writer, who departed due to being uncomfortable with the number of political jokes that were featured on the show.
Aside from this latest change, things appear to be going relatively well for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. As THR reports, the show is currently beating out The Tonight Show in the ratings. And aside from his regular TV hosting duties, Kimmel has also found himself with other things over the past several months. The host performed the remote iteration of the Emmys last fall and, despite the unusual circumstances, Kimmel seems to have had fun with the gig.
All in all, it sounds like Jimmy Kimmel Live! is going to keep things moving as usual after the departure of Sharon Hoffman. Hopefully, the transition back to the remote format is moving along smoothly. We’ll continue to see how things pan out for Kimmel and other talk show hosts.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on ABC.
