Jimmy Kimmel made a surprise appearance Tuesday at the Television Critics Association press tour to introduce new ABC entertainment president Karey Burke.
And just like he does every May during the network’s upfront presentation, the late-night host brought the jokes, many of which poked fun at Donald Trump.
“As you know President Burke won a historic victory in November. Winning by the largest margin for the president in ABC history,” he said. “She’s already done more for ABC than every other ABC president combined. She’s currently building a big, beautiful office at ABC headquarters. El Segundo will pay for that office. And most importantly, President Burke plans to repeal and replace DungeyCare.”
DungeyCare, of course, was a reference to former ABC entertainment chief Channing Dungey, who stepped down in November after two-and-a-half years. She started at Netflix as VP of originals this month, splitting the team with fellow VP Cindy Holland.
“As you know president Burke won a historic victory in November. Winning by the largest margin for the president in ABC history,” Kimmel continued, in a clear reference to Trump’s often-stated assertion about his 2016 presidential victory. “Karey Burke’s story is the American dream. She was born in America.”
Prior to assuming the top job at ABC, Burke helped run Freeform alongside president Tom Ascheim as head of programming and development for the millennial-skewing network. “And while we still do not have any idea of what Freeform is, she ran the hell out of it,” Kimmel said.
Prior to Burke’s debut TCA executive session, ABC made a slew of announcements, including renewals for “A Million Little Things,” “The Good Doctor,” “Shark Tank,” and “Modern Family” (which will wrap after the upcoming 11th season), as well as a crossover for “American Idol” and “American Housewife.” Kimmel also had an announcement of his own: “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will head to Las Vegas to shoot five original shows starting April 1.