They’re back—but not like before.
A veteran host. A rising congresswoman. One word: Unfiltered.
No desk, no censors, no delay—just mics, minds, and conversation.
Is this the boldest comeback in TV history—or a new experiment that could reshape late night?
After the abrupt end of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 17, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel announced he is teaming up with Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) on a new streaming series called Unfiltered. The project emphasizes candid discussion, sharp comedy, and the absence of traditional network guardrails. As of 10:56 a.m. on September 18, the partnership had already become a major topic across media and social platforms.
The Comeback: From Chaos to Collaboration
Kimmel’s network show was “preempted indefinitely” following a tense on-air moment. Within days, he reemerged with a new concept that functions less like a late-night program and more like an open cultural forum. Crockett, elected to Congress in 2023 after work as a public defender and civil rights attorney, has developed a reputation as a direct and compelling communicator. Her committee exchanges and floor speeches regularly circulate online, drawing significant attention.
According to people close to the project, Unfiltered began with a conversation at a Los Angeles event in early September. The two compared frustrations about rigid formats and discussed the need for more direct engagement. A streaming platform showed interest, a small production team formed, and the concept moved forward quickly.
Why This Partnership Stands Out
The pairing brings together a long-time late-night host with a politician known for her quick and precise arguments. In early test sessions, Kimmel’s humor and Crockett’s debate skills appeared to complement each other. The energy was described as lively and pointed, without relying on unnecessary confrontation.
Late-night viewership on traditional television has declined steadily, as audiences seek programming that feels relevant and intelligent. The new series combines Kimmel’s established audience with Crockett’s growing national presence, creating potential appeal across age groups and interests—from comedy and politics to current affairs.
What Unfiltered Will Look Like
Format: A co-monologue instead of a solo one, moving through news, culture, and major topics in real time. A roundtable with invited guests—comedians, journalists, filmmakers, or other figures—will follow. Episodes close with unscripted features such as viewer prompts, field reports, or a segment called “Flip Your Take,” where each host argues the other’s position before reflecting on the exchange.
Run Time & Frequency: 45–70 minutes, four nights a week. Additional special episodes for major news or cultural events, plus a weekend recap edition.
Production: Bi-coastal, lightweight, and flexible. A streamlined set without a traditional desk, with a focus on clear audio and on-screen fact banners for context. Teams will also be prepared for on-location town halls.
Tone: Direct, curious, and conversational.
Challenges and Considerations
Producing candid conversation on a nightly basis carries risks. Among them:
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Legal issues (addressed by a real-time legal team in the control room).
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Content repetition (balancing serious subjects with lighter material).
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Guest dynamics (ensuring debates remain constructive).
Despite these challenges, the approach aims to create programming that feels immediate and relevant rather than pre-packaged.
Why It Feels Like a Cultural Shift
The response reflects more than celebrity interest. Viewers appear to be drawn to the promise of unscripted, intelligent dialogue. In earlier decades, late-night shows often served as a way to process the day’s events with humor and perspective. Over time, that role has diminished. Unfiltered attempts to revive it in a new form.
Crockett’s role is not as a foil but as an equal collaborator. Kimmel’s role is not as a referee but as a co-participant. This dynamic could expand the range of conversations and audiences late-night programming reaches.
Possible Effects on Late Night
Industry watchers expect three outcomes:
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Format adjustments: More unscripted segments and streaming annexes.
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Talent shifts: Stand-ups and podcasters could move toward streaming platforms offering creative control.
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Standards changes: Even broadcast programs may allow more candid moments, since authenticity is drawing engagement.
Early Teasers
In one clip, Kimmel jokes, “Tonight’s headline: everything is on fire; here’s the bucket.” Crockett responds, “And here’s the fire code.” Another teaser shows the “Flip Your Take” segment, where each argues against their own position before acknowledging what they learned. Both emphasize the exchange of ideas rather than performance.
A Typical Day of Production
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3:00 p.m. PT: Topics finalized.
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5:30 p.m.: Light rehearsal for pacing.
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7:00 p.m.: Guests arrive.
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8:00 p.m.: Live broadcast begins with a co-monologue and fact-checked lower thirds.
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8:20 p.m.: Guest roundtable.
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8:45 p.m.: Closing unscripted feature.
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9:05 p.m.: Clips uploaded, followed by optional after-show discussions.
Conclusion
The new series carries risks, but also the possibility of revitalizing the late-night format by prioritizing candor, conversation, and immediacy. For Kimmel, it represents a shift into creative independence. For Crockett, it extends her influence into popular media.
Whether it becomes a long-term success remains to be seen, but its arrival signals that late-night programming is not disappearing—it is evolving.
Two hosts. Two perspectives. One stage.
Unfiltered begins with the premise that audiences are ready for conversation without pretense.
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