Can Stephen A Smith Fill Jimmy Kimmel’s Big Shoes? Succeeding Kimmel “15 Nieces and Nephews, 2 Teenage Daughters” Plead His Case

Loud, sarcastic, razor-sharp, bold – these are some adjectives that one might describe Stephen A. Smith with. But comedy? Can he really pull that off? Apparently, he can. When Jimmy Kimmel of the late-night talk show on ABC remarked that he might retire after his current contract expires, Smith’s past wish of taking his place seems to have resurfaced.

Joining the FOS’s Michael McCarthy for a chat, the ESPN analyst was still “very interested in succeeding” Kimmel. But on one condition – only if the big men at Disney asked him to take the position. Seeing as how very few ESPN stars have become successful in making the move to a late-night show, Stephen A., if he succeeds, will be setting a record.

Is Stephen A. Smith transitioning to a night owl?

Seeing as how many might be skeptical about his comedic talents, the 56-year-old gives an example close to home. “I’ve got 15 nieces and nephews … two teenage daughters … four older sisters,” he said. “They’re all like, ‘I cannot believe people think you’re this serious. They don’t know what a clown you are.’ And I wanted to do that to show I could potentially make people laugh—and love doing it.” 

Well, if that really is the case, then his fans are missing out on some serious skills of the “Screaming A!” Say what you will about the man, but Stephen A. Smith worked hard to be where he is right now. He can pretty much be seen everywhere. From being the commentator and executive producer of First Take, featured columnist for ESPN and the Philadelphia Inquirer to his very own podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, he certainly has the experience.

Not to mention, he did fill in for Kimmel on the late-night show in 2021. In an interview last year, Stephen A. admitted that he was terrified to get on stage that night. His fear had gone to the extent where he had to use the toilet five times before his stomach decided to take a backseat. Yet, the positive reviews and 1.7 million views say that he pulled it off effortlessly.

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In fact, no one would have guessed his petrified state if he hadn’t revealed it. Would you say that Stephen A. Smith would be the right person to take Kimmel’s place? Or will he face the same fate as Joe Buck or Magic Johnson?