What did Gawker know about Jimmy Kimmel’s love life, and when did it know it?

With all of the hoo-ha over whose hoo-ha late-night funnyman David Letterman has been dilly-dallying with, the news that Jimmy Kimmel has been dating his younger head writer, Molly McNearny, came at a great time for all parties involved, didn't it? People magazine claimed an exclusive on this late Saturday, saying that Kimmel and McNearny have dated for several months. That's odd. Why? Because Google tells me when I type in "Molly McNearny" that several months ago, Gawker Media's older guard of Defamer writers had posted this gossip along with a vigorously anonymous denial from within the show's ranks.

BTW, not for nothing, but for any of you aspiring comedy writers out there, here's how McNearny's career arc has gone with Kimmel: Joined the staff as an assistant to the executive producer in July 2003, began writing for the show in 2006, promoted to co-head writer in May 2008. I know staffs at other late-night TV shows have acknowledged publicly that many writers began there as interns or executive assistants. Whether you're a lady with ladyparts or a guy with guyparts, is there ever a chance for a funny writer to get a job writing funny on the TV, or is this antiquated start in the mailroom or making coffee/copies shtick still the way of the future? Just curious.

BTW BTW, is this really the best time for a new Sarah Silverman "viral" video? You be the judge. Here is Silverman's "Sell the Vatican" message, which she debuted Friday night on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher:

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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2 thoughts on “What did Gawker know about Jimmy Kimmel’s love life, and when did it know it?

  1. I already have been reminded that with new TV shows come new opportunities. Jimmy Fallon’s entry into “Late Night” gave plenty of comedy writers a shot to get hired straight into the fold, and even new hires since then came in from freelancing.
    It’ll be interesting to see, with Wanda Sykes and George Lopez both launching new TV talkers in November, too, whether comedy writers decide to take entry-level jobs just to get a foothold for their futures.

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