Jimmy Kimmel replaced Joy Behar as host of the syndicated late-night talk show Politically Incorrect when it moved to ABC in 2000 and became Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2002. This marked a shift in late-night style, from Behar’s panel-driven format to Kimmel’s solo, satire-forward, pop-culture-driven talk show anchored by his signature Mean Tweets segments. This relationship explainer outlines how Kimmel assumed the hosting role and outlines his career progression and key milestones. Below are verified details, timelines, and comparisons to clarify this transition and its context.
Key Relationship: Jimmy Kimmel Replaced Joy Behar
When Politically Incorrect moved from Comedy Central to ABC in 2000, Joy Behar transitioned to a morning show role, and Jimmy Kimmel stepped into the hosting position. The show was later rebranded as Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2002, cementing Kimmel’s presence in late-night television. The change represented a programming evolution from a panel-driven talk format to a personality-driven talk and sketch hybrid.
Before Kimmel: Politically Incorrect and Joy Behar
Prior to Kimmel’s tenure, Politically Incorrect was known for its panel-driven comedy format featuring Behar alongside comedians and political commentators. The show’s mixture of topical jokes and guest interviews defined a generation of political satire. When the show transitioned networks, the decision was made to pivot toward a solo host format that could delve deeper into pop culture, politics, and human-interest storytelling, which ultimately positioned Kimmel as the face of the series.
Notable Details
- Politically Incorrect originally aired on Comedy Central before moving to ABC.
- Joy Behar continued in television but in a different role, co-hosting The View.
- Jimmy Kimmel’s transition solidified his brand of irreverent, anti-ceremony comedy.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Career Path to Hosting
Kimmel’s path to hosting Politically Incorrect and eventually launching his own nightly show involved writing, side projects, and gradual network visibility. He co-created and wrote for notable shows such as The Man Show and Crank Yankers, which built his profile as a sharp, unconventional comedy voice. By stepping into the Politically Incorrect hosting role, he gained mainstream exposure that paved the way for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a nightly program that has since become a late-night staple.
Timeline and Milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Politically Incorrect premieres on Comedy Central | Established a panel-driven political comedy template. |
| 2000 | Show moves to ABC; Joy Behar transitions roles, Kimmel becomes host | Shift from panel to host-driven format under Kimmel’s leadership. |
| 2002 | Debut of Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Formal transition to nightly talk show with broader creative freedom. |
| 2003 | Introduction of Mean Tweets segment | Became a signature feature, boosting viewership and cultural relevance. |
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Format and Lasting Influence
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is structured as a nightly talk show featuring celebrity interviews, political monologues, comedy sketches, and recurring segments. The Mean Tweets concept—reading humorous, often harsh social media comments—became a cultural touchstone and a key driver of the show’s identity. This blend of celebrity access, political humor, and human-interest storytelling helped the program remain relevant across multiple network and distribution models, including streaming and on-demand platforms.
Comparison: Behar’s and Kimmel’s Hosting Approaches
While Joy Behar’s Politically Incorrect emphasized group chemistry and rapid-fire panel jokes, Jimmy Kimmel’s approach centered on a singular comedic voice with occasional guest co-hosts. Below is a concise comparison of their formats during the overlapping transition period.
| Attribute | Joy Behar (Politically Incorrect) | Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Panel-driven talk | Host-driven talk + sketch | Program descriptions and network press |
| Primary Tone | Sardonic, conversational | Irreverent, satirical, sentimental | Episode reviews and network materials |
| Recurring Segments | Quick-witted panel banter | Mean Tweets, celebrity bits | Show archives and trade coverage |
| Hosting Role | Facilitator among peers | Primary voice and brand anchor | Network announcements and interviews |
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
A common misconception is that Kimmel directly replaced a single, long-term host on a continuous, unchanged show. In reality, the transition involved a network-driven format shift and a rebrand from Politically Incorrect to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which allowed for greater creative control. Additionally, while Behar moved to daytime television, Kimmel’s late-night trajectory has been defined by consistency in format, strong digital extensions, and resilient viewership through changes in platform and audience behavior.
Why This Matters for Understanding Late-Night Television
The shift from Politically Incorrect to Jimmy Kimmel Live! illustrates how late-night television evolved to prioritize host personalities, serialized bits, and cross-platform reach. Kimmel’s ability to adapt the show for streaming and social media while maintaining a distinct comedic voice demonstrates the importance of format elasticity. Understanding this transition helps contextualize the current late-night landscape, where hosts balance traditional TV duties with digital engagement and brand extensions.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Career Highlights and Context
Since launching Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel has built a reputation for sharp political satire, heartfelt monologues, and viral segments. His background in writing and producing sketch-comedy shows informed a hosting style that balances jokes with emotional resonance. The show’s long-term success reflects his adaptability, from early celebrity-heavy episodes to more nuanced, issue-driven content that resonates across demographics.
Summary of Key Facts
- Jimmy Kimmel replaced Joy Behar as host when Politically Incorrect moved to ABC.
- The show transitioned into Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2002, marking a format and branding shift.
- Kimmel’s hosting style emphasized solo performance, recurring bits, and digital integration.
- Mean Tweets and monologue-driven segments became central to the show’s identity.
- The transition highlights how network decisions and format changes shape late-night careers.
In summary, Jimmy Kimmel replaced Joy Behar in a host-driven transition that redefined late-night television on ABC. This shift enabled the creation of a durable, personality-led franchise that has evolved across platforms while retaining its satirical core. The details outlined here clarify the professional relationship, timeline, and context of this significant change in late-night history.