Jimmy Kimmel closed out his final episode of 2025 with a deeply emotional message, thanking viewers for their unwavering support during what he described as one of the most difficult years of his life. The late-night host struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on a season marked by personal loss, political controversy, and national turmoil.
Kimmel Breaks Down While Thanking Fans
“This has been a strange year. It’s been a hard year,” Kimmel said, visibly emotional during Thursday night’s monologue. “We’ve had some lows, we’ve had some highs. For me, maybe more than any year of my life.”
As he paused to compose himself, he added, “I’m crying already, I’m sorry.” Kimmel went on to thank his audience directly:
“We appreciate your support, your enthusiasm, and not just for watching. This year, you literally pulled us out of a hole, and we cannot thank you enough personally.”
Referencing His Show’s Temporary Suspension
The “hole” Kimmel mentioned referred to the September 2025 incident in which ABC temporarily removed Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air. The decision followed threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Donald Trump, to revoke the network’s license over Kimmel’s on-air material.
Viewer backlash was immediate and overwhelming. Loyal fans flooded ABC with messages of support, ultimately helping to reverse the suspension and restore the show the following week. Kimmel acknowledged that while the network’s reinstatement was a victory, the ordeal left lingering emotional wounds.
The September preemption wasn’t the only controversy. Earlier in the year, Disney suspended Kimmel over remarks related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, prompting protests outside the network’s offices.
A Year Marked by Loss and Crisis
Kimmel also addressed the heavy emotional toll of nationwide tragedies. In January, he delivered a tearful monologue during the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires, speaking candidly about their impact on families, communities, and first responders.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking moment came in November, when Kimmel announced the death of his best friend and longtime band leader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away from complications following a liver transplant. The host shared childhood photos on air and mourned the loss of someone he described as “family.”
Kimmel’s Message to Viewers at Home and Abroad
Kimmel said part of his emotional struggle stemmed from what he described as “many awful and destructive acts” happening across the United States. However, he highlighted the role late-night comedy plays in helping people cope.
“When I hear from people who tell me that they watch our show… and that it makes them feel less crazy, it makes me feel less crazy too,” he said. He also directed comments toward international viewers, acknowledging concern over current events in the U.S.:
“There is still much more good in this country than bad,” he assured. “We hope that you will bear with us during this extended psychotic episode that we’re in the middle of.”
The emotional farewell wrapped a complex, turbulent year for Kimmel — one marked by grief, controversy, resilience, and deeply felt gratitude toward his supporters. For more entertainment news, television coverage, and breaking updates, stay tuned to InvestRecords.com.
