A major shake-up is coming to late-night television, and one familiar face is already generating buzz before she even takes a seat behind the desk.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is preparing for its annual summer break, but this year’s lineup of guest hosts is attracting attention for one particularly headline-making addition.
That guest host is none other than comedian, actress and television personality Rosie O’Donnell.
Jimmy Kimmel, 58, announced during Thursday’s episode that Rosie, 64, will be among several celebrity stars stepping in while he takes his customary two-month hiatus from ABC’s long-running late-night show.
Introducing the news, Kimmel jokingly described Rosie’s appearance as “a special treat” for President Donald Trump, referencing the pair’s long-running and highly publicized feud.
“And all I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone,” Kimmel quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Rosie’s history with Trump stretches back nearly two decades, well before his first presidential campaign.
In 2006, while serving as a co-host on The View, she openly criticized the former Celebrity Apprentice star, famously calling him a “snake-oil salesman” and questioning his treatment of women.
Although Rosie’s booking is expected to attract plenty of attention, she won’t be the only celebrity taking over the show.
Kimmel revealed that Tiffany Haddish, Colman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson and country music star Jelly Roll will also rotate through hosting duties during his absence.
Several of the guest hosts are already familiar with the format, including Tiffany Haddish, who has previously filled in during Kimmel’s vacation breaks.
Kimmel’s summer hiatus has become an annual tradition since 2020, when he first began stepping away from the show during the pandemic era.
At the time, he reassured viewers that there was “nothing wrong” and explained that he simply wanted to spend additional time with his family. Sources suggest that this year’s break follows a similar pattern.
The host is often joined on his European summer travels by a number of high-profile friends, including Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman.
The vacation comes after what many consider one of the most turbulent years of Kimmel’s career.
Throughout 2026, the late-night host has remained at the center of an ongoing public war of words with President Trump, frequently criticizing the administration both on-air and across social media platforms.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! also experienced a temporary pause amid broader industry tensions and political disputes involving ABC and the White House.
Reflecting on that period, Kimmel later described the experience as being “almost a near-death experience” for the show.
Now, with Rosie O’Donnell — one of Trump’s most outspoken celebrity critics — preparing to take the reins, many viewers are wondering whether the conversation will continue heating up even while Kimmel is enjoying his summer break.
One thing is certain: when Jimmy steps away, the spotlight won’t be leaving with him.
