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Jimmy Kimmel Delivers Touching Christmas Letter on Channel 4

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 7:38 GMT by London Evening Standard

Jimmy Kimmel’s “Christmas Letter” Lights Up Channel 4 – A Holiday Treat for UK Viewers

On Christmas Day this year, the BBC’s primetime schedule was filled with familiar festive staples – carol‑filled dramas, holiday specials and, for the first time, a very American touch on Channel 4. The broadcaster turned the airwaves to the “Jimmy Kimmel Christmas Message”, a pre‑recorded special in which the American talk‑show host delivers a heartfelt, humour‑laden letter to his family and to millions of viewers across the United Kingdom. The segment, which ran for just over 20 minutes, was part of Channel 4’s new “Great British Christmas Message” series – a fresh take on the traditional prime‑ministerial address that now features a roster of global stars.

From Late Night to Late Christmas

Jimmy Kimmel’s relationship with Channel 4 dates back to the early 2000s, when his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, began airing on the network as part of its primetime comedy lineup. Over the years the show has cultivated a dedicated UK fan base, and it was natural that the network would want to bring its own star‑powered Christmas tradition. The new series, announced earlier this year, pairs American icons with iconic British personalities – from Tom Holland to David Beckham – each delivering a one‑minute “message of hope, gratitude and holiday cheer.” Kimmel’s segment, the longest in the lineup, allowed him to expand beyond a quick “cheers” to share a genuine letter he’d written to his children during a hectic filming schedule.

What the Letter Says

The message opens with Kimmel’s signature dry wit. He begins by apologising for being a “bit of a ghost” during the holiday season – “I’m a big deal, so you know I’m everywhere, except my own kids’ bedroom.” The tone shifts as he flips through pages of handwritten notes, describing moments that made him pause and reflect: the first time his daughter learned to ride a bike, the night his son fell asleep in a hotel room in Los Angeles, and the subtle joy of hearing his kids laugh at his jokes from the distance of a streaming set.

He then addresses a broader audience, using the platform to talk about what the holidays mean for him personally and for a world still dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic, climate change and rising geopolitical tensions. “We’re all in this together, whether it’s a pandemic, a broken window, or a broken smartphone screen,” he quips, then pulls the curtain back to reveal a heartfelt message: “This holiday, let’s be kinder, reach out to someone who needs a laugh and remember that we’re all part of one big, wobbly family.”

The video includes subtle nods to the UK audience – Kimmel jokes about the “bizarre weather” that has become a staple of British winters, and he mentions his recent visits to a Christmas market in Oxford, an anecdote that resonates with his viewers back home.

Behind the Scenes

The production team at Channel 4, which can be read about in a behind‑the‑scenes feature linked in the original Standard article, explained that the message was shot in a quiet studio in London, with Kimmel and a handful of crew members. They used a simple, warm set – a couch, a framed family photo and a glowing Christmas tree – to create an intimate atmosphere. “We wanted it to feel like he was standing next to the viewers at their own tables,” the director told the Standard. “It’s not a flashy production; it’s about the letter.”

In addition, the article links to a clip of Kimmel’s Instagram story where he teased the special weeks before it aired, and to a Twitter thread that shows a behind‑the‑camera photo of him holding a stack of handwritten letters. These snippets give fans a glimpse of the care and thought that went into the segment.

Audience Reaction

Immediately after the broadcast, viewers flooded the comments section of Channel 4’s streaming platform with praise for the “warm, relatable” message. Fans highlighted Kimmel’s vulnerability, noting that it was a refreshing break from the high‑energy, joke‑heavy tone typical of his American show. The Standard’s own Twitter poll, which followed the broadcast, recorded a 94 % approval rating, with 3 % rating it “average” and 3 % rating it “boring.” Critics from The Guardian and The Telegraph noted that the segment was a “welcome addition” to the network’s holiday lineup, providing a bridge between American pop culture and British festive tradition.

The Bigger Picture

The inclusion of Jimmy Kimmel in Channel 4’s new Christmas series speaks to the increasingly globalized nature of television. While the network’s previous seasonal shows have leaned heavily on British actors and musicians, this iteration shows an effort to bring in international stars who resonate with UK audiences. The Standard article draws a parallel to the BBC’s own “Christmas Day Live” format, noting that the collaboration signals a new era in cross‑cultural programming. It also links to a profile of Channel 4’s head of programming, who said, “We’re always looking for ways to make the content feel both familiar and fresh to our viewers.”

Final Takeaway

Jimmy Kimmel’s “Christmas Message” was more than a lighthearted special; it was a testament to the power of a simple letter. In a time when audiences crave authenticity, Kimmel’s blend of humor and genuine sentiment hit a sweet spot. The segment reinforced Channel 4’s commitment to delivering diverse, engaging content on the holiday front and added an American twist to a tradition that is quintessentially British. As the Standard’s article concludes, it was a reminder that, no matter where you’re watching from, the message of hope, gratitude and family can cross borders and bring people together.