The late-night program has returned to the Brooklyn Academy of Music for a week of broadcasts, marking host Jimmy Kimmel’s eighth time taping the show in his birthplace. The episode featured a roster of high-profile guests, including Howard Stern, Billy Crystal, Paul McCartney, and Senator Bernie Sanders. Kimmel noted that the production received more than 150,000 ticket requests.
The broadcast opened with comedian Pete Davidson and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alongside a musical set by TV on the Radio commemorating the 20th anniversary of their album “Return to Cookie Mountain.” The show also included comedic bits involving Matt Damon, who heckled Kimmel while wearing a Boston Red Sox cap, and Jon Hamm portraying an irate construction worker.
During his interview with Davidson, who was promoting his Netflix podcast and upcoming film, Kimmel introduced Mayor Mamdani following a montage of Fox News commentary predicting a spike in crime under his leadership. Kimmel highlighted that homicide and shooting rates in the city actually reached record lows during Mamdani’s first seven months in office.
Kimmel pressed the mayor on his apparent rapport with President Donald Trump, asking if the relationship came naturally or required calculated charm. Mamdani laughed off the premise, stating that while he and the president share a love for New York City, they hold many disagreements. He emphasized that his focus during meetings is on improving life for New Yorkers rather than personal dynamics.
Referencing a viral video of Mamdani standing stoically beside Trump at Gracie Mansion, Kimmel remarked on the mayor’s impassive demeanor. Mamdani explained that he was concentrating on securing federal approval for the Sunnyside Yard development in Queens, a project expected to deliver 12,000 homes and roughly 30,000 jobs.
When Kimmel asked about their text communication, Mamdani confirmed they exchange messages occasionally regarding the Sunnyside Yard project and the status of Haitian New Yorkers, whose protected designation had recently been revoked. He described the community as integral to the city’s fabric and stressed the need for their stability.
The segment concluded when Kimmel asked Mamdani to text Trump a selfie of the two of them from the stage. Mamdani declined, telling the host, “Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more.”
Did anyone else notice how calm he stayed while Kimmel roasted him? That stoicism is a skill.
Love the priority check! Housing over selfies is exactly the energy NYC needs right now.