Jimmy Kimmel Calls on Comedian to Host Show After Testing Positive For COVID-19

Jimmy Kimmel confirmed he's tested positive for COVID-19 and has called on his friend to host. Find out who will fill in for him here!

By Cydney Contreras May 02, 2022 8:51 PMTags
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Jimmy Kimmel is calling on his understudy. 

The Jimmy Kimmel Live host tweeted that he tested positive for COVID-19 on May 2. "Our daughter brought us covid (even though we specifically asked her not to)," wrote the dad to KatieKevinJane and Billy. "All feeling fine, I am double vaxxed and boosted but the show must not go on."

Kimmel was due to interview Tom Cruise on Monday night about the upcoming Top Gun sequel. The interview would've been one of Tom's first appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live in nearly seven years. 

But Kimmel has asked comedian Mike Birbiglia to helm the desk for the foreseeable future. Coincidentally, Birbiglia himself was scheduled to appear as a guest, but stepped up to the plate in Kimmel's time of need. He joked, "I must be the first person to ever deplane a Southwest Airlines flight and find out they're guest-hosting a late night talk show."

Other stars booked for this week's shows include Iliza Schlesinger, Ewan McGregorMike Meyers and Kevin Hart

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Kimmel isn't the only late night host to test positive for the coronavirus in recent months. Jimmy FallonStephen Colbert, James Corden and Seth Meyers have all gone on bedrest as they recover from the novel virus. 

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The big three networks have dealt with positive COVID-19 tests in varying ways, with NBC having Meyers host from home and CBS airing re-runs as Colbert and Corden recovered. Fallon was on a holiday break during his infection.

And while fans are used to watching their favorite hosts every week night, it's better safe than sorry!

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