In a surprise moment that delighted late-night fans, David Letterman used his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to extend a public invitation to Jimmy Kimmel — asking him to appear on his Netflix talk show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. The exchange electrified the live audience, marking a notable development in late-night TV and streaming crossovers.
A Late-Night Reunion Fans Have Wanted for Years
On the December 9, 2025 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, viewers witnessed something special: David Letterman, famed former late-night talk show host, sitting down with Jimmy Kimmel — a one-time admirer turned peer. In the middle of their conversation, Letterman turned the tables, saying, “By the way, you should be on that show,” referring to My Next Guest. The audience cheered as Kimmel responded with enthusiasm, “Oh, I would love to be on your show.” The exchange underlined the mutual respect between two influential figures in comedy and television.
Kimmel admitted he had long wondered why he hadn’t been invited before, joking that he sometimes “lay awake at night” pondering the omission. Letterman quipped back, “Would it bother you that that was Netflix’s decision?” — drawing laughter from the crowd.
The moment instantly sparked chatter among fans and industry watchers. Considering Letterman’s heavy-hitting guest list on My Next Guest — which has included everyone from presidents to viral YouTube stars — Kimmel’s addition now seems all but inevitable.
Why This Matters: A Bridge Between Late Night and Streaming
Letterman’s invitation to Kimmel represents more than friendly banter — it signals a blending of the traditional late-night format with streaming-era interview shows. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction has become a major player in streaming talk content. With its new season dropping December 16 on Netflix, featuring guests like Michael B. Jordan, MrBeast, and Jason Bateman, the show has leaned into a long-form, in-depth interview style that differs markedly from the rapid-fire rhythm of network late-night.
For Kimmel — long a staple of network late-night — appearing on My Next Guest could expand his late-night legacy into the streaming era. The contrast between the high-energy, entertainment-focused Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the slower, more contemplative My Next Guest format might showcase a different side of him as a host.
For Letterman, having Kimmel on the show would bring a symbolic full circle: the man who once inspired Kimmel joining him in the more intimate world of streaming conversations.
What It Means for Late Night & Streaming Television
1. A Sign of Evolving Late-Night Dynamics
Late-night TV has been under pressure in recent years: shrinking audiences, rising production costs, and streaming alternatives challenging conventional formats. The fact that Letterman, a late-night icon, is turning to streaming for his new show, and possibly bringing network stars like Kimmel aboard, highlights how the lines between “TV talk show” and “streaming interview series” are blurring. This may point toward a future where legacy hosts increasingly use streaming platforms to reach audiences — alone or in tandem with network work.
2. A Potential Revival for Classic Late-Night Formats
If Kimmel accepts, this could bring renewed attention to the long-form interview — once a television mainstay before late-night shifted toward comedy monologues, quick chats, and games. Viewers may appreciate a deeper, more conversational style. For Letterman, it represents a return to the “sit-down, tell-all” interviews that made him legendary.
3. A Strategic Move for Both Hosts
For Letterman, featuring Kimmel tightens bonds with a generation of hosts he inspired — reinforcing his legacy. For Kimmel, participating would show versatility, and a willingness to evolve beyond the rigid schedule and format of nightly network television. It might signal to fans and industry alike that he’s thinking beyond ratings and monologues.
Where Things Stand Right Now
- David Letterman appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 9, 2025, and publicly invited Kimmel to guest on My Next Guest.
- Streaming giant Netflix is rolling out Season 6 of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on December 16, with high-profile guests already announced.
- Kimmel has expressed interest in being a guest — laughter and applause from the live audience affirmed the enthusiasm.
At this moment, neither side has announced an official booking date. The invitation stands as a promise — one that, if honored, could mark a memorable moment in late-night and streaming television history.
What Fans Should Watch For
If this guest spot moves forward, expect a few things:
- A contrast in tone: Kimmel’s quick wit may meet Letterman’s more reflective flow. The conversation could go deeper than typical late-night banter.
- A nod to late-night’s past: With Letterman’s legacy and Kimmel’s long-running show, their collaboration could feel like a celebratory reunion of talk-show eras.
- Broader industry ripple effects: Other late-night hosts might follow suit, using streaming platforms to revisit long-form interviews or get creative outside network constraints.
It’s also possible the invitation remains symbolic — nothing formal happens, and the moment is simply a fun interlude. But given the enthusiasm on both sides, many believe we’re likely to see Kimmel on My Next Guest yet.
Inside the Conversation: Why the Timing Works
- The launch of Season 6 of My Next Guest is right around the corner, making the timing ideal for a high-profile guest.
- Streaming platforms like Netflix are increasingly attractive for audiences who prefer flexibility and depth over nightly schedules.
- There’s a growing appetite for genuine, candid conversations with celebrities — and My Next Guest offers exactly that.
For Kimmel, this guest spot could offer a refreshing change of pace. For Letterman, it could renew his show’s status as the gold standard for conversational depth in the streaming space.
The invitation from Letterman to Kimmel isn’t just a celebrity handshake — it may well mark the start of a new era for late-night meets streaming. Whether they decide to roll cameras together remains to be seen.
What do you think — should Jimmy Kimmel say yes and appear on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction? Let me know in the comments — and keep an eye out for updates.