Rosie O’Donnell Breaks Silence On Daytime TV Return Chatter Involving Jimmy Kimmel

Rosie O’Donnell has cleared the air regarding media speculation about her future in daytime hosting. 

While shutting down those reports, she surprised fans by hinting at a possible return to her true television roots.

Notably, O’Donnell previously dominated the daytime market as the host of her Emmy Award-winning series “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” from 1996 to 2002, alongside later hosting roles on “The Rosie Show” and multiple stints on “The View.”

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The 64-year-old comedian recently took to social media to dispel claims that she is being groomed to permanently replace late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. This came after reports began circulating after it was announced she would step in as a permanent host on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” 

Responding to media inquiries on Instagram, O’Donnell called the rumors “funny and completely untrue”, explaining that she is moving to Ireland, where her child will be entering the eighth grade. 

“I leave for Ireland the day I’m done guest hosting for Jimmy– where my child starts the 8th grade,” she wrote. 

She made it clear that a permanent position in late-night television does not align with her goals, though she admitted that returning to daytime television would be an intriguing prospect.

“I’m not interested in doing late night– daytime, however, would be interesting,” she added.

The media personality’s comment about daytime TV sparked enthusiasm among her followers, with many expressing nostalgia for her original program and urging her to launch a new show. 

Enthusiastic Fan Reactions to Rosie O’Donnell Potential Comeback

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Building on her hints about a possible return to daytime programming, fans immediately flooded her social media post with overwhelming support and excitement.

Viewers expressed nostalgia for her original program, with several commenters urging her to launch a modern continuation of her classic series to revitalize daytime entertainment. Others shared their eagerness to support any new project she chooses to pursue, whether in her traditional daytime slot or an evening format.

“Daytime!?!!? Omg yesss please bring back the Rosie O’Donnell show!!!” one excited fan wrote. 

“I think I speak for millennials everywhere when I say bring The Rosie O’Donnell show back so we can feel alive again,” another fan wrote. 

“She won’t replace Kimmel’s place. She will do her own thing, and we will support her,” a third fan wrote.

The passionate response highlighted a strong desire among audiences to see the seasoned host return to the screen on her own terms. Supporters emphasized that her unique presence has been missed and celebrated the idea of a refreshed broadcast presence.

Rosie O’Donnell Took Over Guest Hosting Duties for Jimmy Kimmel

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Linking back to the initial surprise surrounding her temporary late-night gig, the news of O’Donnell’s involvement first broke when Kimmel announced his upcoming summer hiatus during a Thursday night broadcast. 

The long-running late-night host revealed he would be taking a voluntary sabbatical, handing the desk over to a rotating cast of celebrity fill-ins. 

Among the high-profile lineup of temporary presenters were notable entertainers including Tiffany Haddish and Colman Domingo, as reported by The Blast.

However, it was O’Donnell’s inclusion that elicited the most significant reaction from the studio audience. Kimmel introduced her to the schedule with a lighthearted jab, presenting her as a special gesture for Trump given her well-known feud with the president. 

Rosie O’Donnell Revealed How She Knew It Was Time to Quit

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Weeks after Kimmel announced O’Donnell as one of his guest hosts, she opened up about the exact moment she chose to walk away from her daytime empire. 

Unlike many television personalities who fight to remain on air, she voluntarily stepped down from “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” in 2002 after discovering her bank account had reached a landmark $100 million. 

Upon learning of this fortune, she realized she had accumulated more than enough wealth to support her loved ones, donate to charitable causes, and assist those in need, per The Blast.

O’Donnell further explained that her choice to depart after six successful seasons was ultimately driven by a desire to be present for her family.

Rosie O’Donnell Is Considering a Return to the United States

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Amid O’Donnell’s decision to walk away from hosting duties, the veteran performer also revealed that she is weighing a potential move back to her home country. Early in 2025, she relocated to Ireland due to concerns about the political climate under Donald Trump’s presidency. 

However, during a July appearance on Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast, she shared that life events are prompting her to reconsider her long-term living situation, as reported by The Blast. 

Having sold off her belongings before leaving the country, the comedian expressed a desire to acquire a residence in New Jersey near her adult children to serve as a home base for visits to the area.