Gayle King left stunned as Tony Dokoupil torches Jimmy Kimmel comeback on 'CBS Mornings'

NEW YORK, NEW YORK: Broadcast journalist Gayle King was visibly stunned during the September 25 episode of "CBS Mornings" when her co-host Tony Dokoupil sharply criticized late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

The segment initially focused on Kimmel’s return to the late-night stage after a brief suspension. Dokoupil called Kimmel's comeback “bad business” if it alienates “half the country,” leaving King momentarily speechless, according to the New York Post.

The discussion quickly grew tense as Dokoupil made no effort to soften his critique.

Gayle King speechless as Tony Dokoupil slams Jimmy Kimmel on air

The exchange happened during coverage of Jimmy Kimmel’s first episode back after a short suspension triggered by his remarks on Charlie Kirk’s murder. King highlighted the success of Kimmel’s return, noting over 6 million broadcast viewers and about 26 million social media views.

“Which kind of makes the numbers even more extraordinary — a big chunk of the country couldn’t get it,” King said, referencing blackouts in many areas. She added that Kimmel's show “blacked out in 23% of US households."

Before King could respond, Dokoupil interjected, “The 26 million on social media, most of that money doesn’t go to ABC. And the business is still bad, particularly if you’re offending half the country, the ones that voted for the guy he doesn’t like. So, here we are. Good luck, late night!”

Tony Dokoupil has a history of speaking frankly. Earlier this year, the New York Post reported that he sided with CBS executives when production of Stephen Colbert’s show was ended.

Jimmy Kimmel show suspended after Charlie Kirk remarks

Hours after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, Jimmy Kimmel posted on social media: “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.

His tone shifted five days later, on September 15, during a monologue on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' He said, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

When Kimmel returned on September 23, his first episode back drew more than 6 million viewers despite blackouts in some regions. He addressed the controversy directly: “You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.” Kimmel defended free speech, adding, “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”

While Kimmel received support from colleagues and fans, Dokoupil was openly critical, emphasizing the financial and reputational risks of Kimmel’s return.