Stephen A. Smith, a prominent figure in sports media, has built a formidable career as a television personality, radio host, and sports analyst. Known for his bold commentary on ESPN’s First Take and The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio, Smith has become a pop culture icon with a knack for engaging audiences beyond the sports world. His charismatic delivery and unapologetic style have fueled speculation about his potential to transition into mainstream entertainment, particularly as a late-night talk show host.
A Long-Standing Interest in Late-Night TV
Smith’s ambition to host a late-night talk show is not a recent development. As early as January 2023, he expressed interest in succeeding Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live! during an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity. Smith stated, “I am interested in doing late night. I would love to be the heir apparent to Jimmy Kimmel. I believe I could do it.” He emphasized his desire to bring a balanced perspective to late-night television, noting that he is “one-sided on issues, [but] not one-sided on ideology,” aiming to appeal to a broad audience.
By March 2024, Smith reiterated his interest in replacing Kimmel, whose contract with ABC was set to expire in 2026. In an interview with Front Office Sports, Smith confirmed he would be “very interested in succeeding” Kimmel, contingent on approval from Disney executives, including chairman Bob Iger. The timing seemed advantageous, as Smith’s ESPN contract was nearing its end in 2025, aligning with Kimmel’s potential retirement. Fans on X expressed excitement, with some noting Smith’s entertaining persona made him a natural fit for late-night TV.
Smith’s appeal lies in his ability to blend humor with candid commentary, a trait that could resonate in the late-night space. Front Office Sports highlighted his “comical vibe” and ability to captivate audiences, suggesting he could succeed where other sports broadcasters have struggled in mainstream media.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Its Implications
In a surprising turn of events, ABC announced on September 17, 2025, that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was being pulled off the air indefinitely due to controversial remarks Kimmel made about the shooting death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. During a monologue, Kimmel criticized the “MAGA gang” for attempting to politicize the tragedy, prompting Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliate stations, to preempt the show. ABC subsequently suspended the program, citing the need for “cooler heads” to prevail in a heated political climate.
This development has reignited discussions about Smith as a potential replacement. With Kimmel’s future uncertain, Smith’s prior expressions of interest position him as a leading candidate, especially given ESPN and ABC’s shared ownership under Disney. The suspension has created an unexpected opportunity for Smith to step into the late-night spotlight sooner than anticipated.
Stephen A. Smith’s Response to Kimmel’s Suspension
On a recent episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel, Smith addressed Kimmel’s suspension and the broader implications of the controversy. Reflecting on Kimmel’s emotional response to Donald Trump’s election, where Kimmel was seen crying on air, Smith remarked that he would have handled it differently. “I wouldn’t have done it like that,” Smith said, emphasizing his preference for maintaining composure and fostering constructive dialogue, even on polarizing issues.
🚨NEW: Stephen A. Smith on his fellow Disney host Jimmy Kimmel getting yanked off air after Charlie Kirk monologue:
“Where was the joke? Because you’re a late-night host — and obviously that has a comedic attachment to it. Where was the joke? Obviously, it wasn’t anything funny… pic.twitter.com/tpRtiqwXwx
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) September 18, 2025
Smith’s comments suggest a deliberate contrast to Kimmel’s approach, reinforcing his earlier claims of offering a more balanced perspective. He has consistently positioned himself as someone who can engage diverse viewpoints, a quality he believes is lacking in the current late-night landscape. This stance aligns with his recent ventures into political commentary, including his new SiriusXM show, Straight Shooter with Stephen A., which launched in September 2025 and airs weekly on Wednesdays.
Why Smith Could Be Next in Line
Several factors make Smith a compelling candidate for Kimmel’s role. His established fanbase, built through years on ESPN, extends beyond sports, as evidenced by viral reactions to his late-night aspirations on X. His ability to generate buzz—whether through fiery sports takes or engaging with political figures—demonstrates his versatility. Moreover, Smith’s familiarity with Disney’s corporate structure and his expressed loyalty to the company could ease a potential transition.
However, challenges remain. Transitioning from sports to late-night requires navigating a broader cultural landscape, and not all sports broadcasters have succeeded in such shifts. Additionally, Kimmel’s suspension does not guarantee his permanent exit, as he has previously hinted at retirement only to reconsider. Still, the current controversy has created a unique window for Smith to make his case.
Conclusion
Stephen A. Smith’s journey from sports analyst to potential late-night host reflects his ambition to transcend traditional media boundaries. His consistent interest in succeeding Jimmy Kimmel, coupled with Kimmel’s recent suspension, has placed him at the forefront of speculation. Smith’s measured response to the controversy on his radio show underscores his readiness to offer a fresh perspective in late-night TV. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Smith can seize this opportunity to redefine the genre with his signature flair.
