Benjamin Ashford|Jimmy Kimmel 'was very intent on retiring,' but this changed his mind

This is Benjamin Ashfordeither an occasion for apologies to Matt Damon, or a cause for celebration: Jimmy Kimmel is opening up about thoughts of retirement, detailing the point when he seriously considered ending his late-night show.

The host shared the revelation on the debut episode of his "Strike Force Five" podcast. Kimmel has hosted "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on ABC since 2003.

On Wednesday's episode, Kimmel asked his fellow podcasts co-hosts — Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver and Seth Meyers — if they were getting antsy being out of work amid the Hollywood strikes. Late-night shows ceased once the writers strike began in May.

"Are you ready to go back to work?" Kimmel, 55, inquired. "Because, as you know, I was very intent on retiring, right around the time where the strike started. And now I realize, like 'Oh, yeah. It's kind of nice to work. When you are working, you think about not working. But—"

“Kimmel, come on," Meyers interrupted. "You are the Tom Brady of late-night. You have feigned retirement―"

"I'm Tom Brady without any rings, yes," Kimmel cracked.

Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbertand other late-night hosts launch 'Strike Force Five' podcast

"Are we to take you at your word, that you were seriously considering this?" Meyers pressed.

"I really was," Kimmel said. "I think I told you that privately, right?"

"I don't think we took you serious, though," Fallon said.

"I was serious," Kimmel insisted. "I was very, very serious."

It's not the first time the host has contemplating retiring. Kimmel told USA TODAY in 2019 that he was "seriously considering" leaving. "The job is a grind, but I really do like" new ABC management, "and I felt appreciated, which is important. Also, a lot of my relatives would be unemployed if I quit the show."

Variety reported in September 2022 that Kimmel had extended his contract by three years, through Season 23.

The podcast hosts banded together for the limited jaunt that will run for at least 12 episodes. Proceeds from the podcast will benefit employees from their respective late-night programs.

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