Howard Stern Reacts to Jimmy Kimmel’s Opening Monologue in His First Show Back
Howard Stern has never been one to hold back his opinions, and this week he turned his attention to Jimmy Kimmel’s highly anticipated return to *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* after a brief hiatus. Kimmel’s opening monologue, which combined biting political humor with self-deprecating wit, sparked plenty of discussion across the entertainment world—but Stern’s reaction stood out for its mix of praise and pointed commentary.
On his SiriusXM show, Stern told listeners that Kimmel “came back swinging,” highlighting the late-night host’s fearless approach to addressing the current political climate. “What I love about Jimmy,” Stern said, “is that he’s not afraid to go there. He takes the risks. That opening monologue wasn’t just funny—it had some real weight to it. He’s doing what late-night hosts are supposed to do: reflect the world back at us with honesty and humor.”
Stern noted that Kimmel’s return didn’t feel rusty, but rather energized, as though the time off gave him sharper perspective. He singled out Kimmel’s blend of satire and sincerity, saying, “The guy can joke about Washington one second and about his own kids the next, and it all lands. That’s a gift.”
Still, Stern wasn’t without critique. He admitted that some of the political digs might alienate certain viewers, but quickly added that Kimmel has never been one to play it safe. “That’s why people tune in,” Stern said. “He’s authentic. You can agree or disagree, but you know he means every word.”
For Stern, the monologue served as a reminder of the unique role late-night TV still plays in shaping cultural conversations. “In a world where everyone’s screaming on social media,” Stern concluded, “Jimmy Kimmel can make you laugh, make you think, and somehow make you feel like you’re in on the joke.”
