When I opened up an email about a month ago inviting me on a press trip with Disney and ABC TV about a month ago, I happened to be sitting in the family room with most of my family. When I came to the part in the email about attending a live taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live…the family erupted.
We are all huge fans of his and have a ton of family jokes about several of his spots (like I Gave My Kids a Terrible Present…). Being on the set of Jimmy Kimmel – and actually having the chance to meet him – were the highlight of my trip (and definitely elicited a LOT of ooohs and aahhhs and “I’m SO jealous” from my friends and family at home). Although my expenses were paid for this press trip, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Our Jimmy Kimmel Live experience began in the Green Room, where we had some VIP treatment and a nice spread of Cinco de Mayo-inspired foods. After we were done eating, we were able to chat with Molly McNearney, co-head writer (and Jimmy’s wife!) and Jill Leiderman, executive producer.
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE – Molly & her fellow writers courtesy of @MollyMcNearney on Twitter – Used with permission
I was fascinated to learn that Jimmy Kimmel Live has 13 writers (along with Jimmy himself) that work each day before the daily show that tapes at 6:00 pm. They watch the news and read stories online to stay on top of what is happening in the world and what people are talking about. The fact that they start almost-from-scratch each day for that evening’s show fascinates me!
Jill Leiderman serves as executive producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” (ABC/Randy Holmes)
The show was hilarious. So. Much. Fun. to see in real time. The evening’s guests were none other than Julia Roberts and Sally Field (and, no, I did not get to meet them…darn!). All I can say is that I view Sally Field in a whole new light after seeing her with Jimmy (did you catch the first ever celebrity curse off between Sally and Julia?? Just imagine hearing that live and unedited. Whew!).
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE – guests for MONDAY, MAY 5 included actress Sally Field (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2”), actress Julia Roberts (“The Normal Heart”) and musical guest Future Islands. (Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Images)
SALLY FIELD, JIMMY KIMMEL, JULIA ROBERTS
Sally Field was celebrating getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (we were all wondering how in the world she had not gotten one before now!). Here she is discussing it with Jimmy:
After the show was over…and after meeting Guillermo…the crowds left and we were escorted into the studio. The room where Jimmy Kimmel Live is taped is much smaller than I had ever imagined.
We were sitting around chatting when Jimmy Kimmel himself walked through the doors. He started asking us questions right away about blogging…and it was quickly determined that I was the person who had been blogging the longest out of the group. Who knew? Of course, I had to mention to Jimmy that I am also the blogger with the most kids from the group. Double awards!
Photo courtesy of Mary Jo of SavingGreenInTheBay.com
We talked with Jimmy for a few minutes before he suggested taking individual pictures with each of the bloggers. Considering we were a group of 25, that was quite a commitment on his part! He was a great sport and sat down with each of us….sitting at his famous desk where Julia Roberts and Sally Field had sat with him just minutes before. Unreal!
Our Jimmy Kimmel Live experience was a blast. I’d love to do it again someday!
Connect with Jimmy Kimmel Live:
Twitter: @JimmyKimmel and @JimmyKimmelLive
Instagram: JimmyKimmel and JimmyKimmelLive
Facebook: JimmyKimmelLive
Hashtag: #Kimmel
© 2014, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
Oh & I filmed a segment with Cousin Sal & got to go in the green room with the arcade, bar, etc. where the celebs hangout..very fun!! It never made air though:( #cuttingroomfloor
SO fun! I am glad you got to experience it from behind the scenes!!
I love his show & have been in the audience MANY times. Even sat front row when the seats were close to the desk(before he moved to 11:35 pm lol) and Charlie Sheen shook my hand! lol
I also was on his set when Katie Couric filmed her show there. I am SO jealous you met him though lol
Joey J.
So neat! I want to be part of their audience, it’s a great experience, I did that with Leno.
Crazy serious jealousy over here. I am so thrilled for you!