I just found out Joel Hodgson is one of the writers for the upcoming ABC late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live. It seems Jimmy has a very strong writing staff behind him, including Steve O’Donnell (Letterman’s head writer from the NBC show). Also on staff is one of my on-line favorites, Bill Simmons (of ESPN.com - formerly The Boston Sports Guy). You can read more about the show (and Simmons) here.
The show debuts after the Super Bowl and starts for real on Monday night. If they can capture the same underdog spirit that Letterman and his staff brought to the NBC show, they just might pull it off.
And in case you want another link, here’s an article about Simmons from the LA Times (You might have to register to view).
I’m actually getting fired up about this show! Are any other dopers going to give it a chance? Do you think it will be a hit, or will it be cancelled faster than The Chevy Chase Show?
Did they finally find a guest? As of a week or so ago, they didn’t have any guests. Or many sponsors. Apparently a lot of companies are worried it’ll basically be The Man Show II.
And Joel as a writer? Does this mean we’ll be seeing prop comedy? Gah.
Jimmy Kimmel seems to be one of the most naturally funny comedians out there but I don’t have much faith in the success of the show. Edgy comedy and ABC don’t really get along.
I’ll watch. I love Bill Simmons, too. And I love Jimmy Kimmel. And I think Adam Corolla is doing some writing, as well, and I think he’s funny. I think it will be a good show.
And since the guest portion of any late night show is generally the weakest part, I’m not too concerned about their lack of guests. Still be funny stuff. Maybe they’ll turn it into a sort of sketch comedy show, like the Man Show, but toned down a bit.
Are they having trouble with guest because it’s live? That seems to be a fairly obvious logistical issue that should have been sorted out already. Doesn’t bode well.
I too can’t wait, this is going to be a great show for as long as it lasts.
Jimmy Kimmel was on the Daily Show last night. He said they still weren’t sure about guests for the premiere, but he had done a couple of test shows already, with Adam Corolla and Ben Stein as guests.
Oh damnit I thought you were gonna tell me they were doing a stand-up tour (Joel Hodgson and Jimmel Kimmel Live!) I was already looking forward to it before I opened the thread :).
Joel Hodgson has said publically that he doesn’t like being in front of the camera, which is why he chose to be a writer for Spage Ghost: Coast to Coast and a director/producer figure for the ill-fated TV Wheel.
