Jimmy Kimmel and Wheelhouse part ways: A new chapter for Kimmelot
A strategic shift in the entertainment landscape
In a significant move within the entertainment industry, Jimmy Kimmel’s Kimmelot and Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse have decided to part ways after a fruitful six-year partnership. This transition marks a new chapter for both entities, as Kimmelot steps out from under the Wheelhouse umbrella to operate independently.
The evolution of Kimmelot and Wheelhouse
The separation has been in the works for several months, with the first signs appearing earlier this year when Wheelhouse secured its initial round of outside funding from Alignment Capital, led by Jeff Bewkes. This strategic investment prompted Kimmel to transition Kimmelot to a fully independent status, a move both parties describe as amicable.
In a joint statement, Wheelhouse and Kimmelot explained, “When Wheelhouse took the equity investment from Alignment Growth, we made the decision to consolidate equity ownership. Jimmy transitioned from an equity partner to a commercial partner. While we no longer have ownership stakes in each other’s companies, Kimmelot and Wheelhouse continue to share resources and partner on a variety of individual projects.”
The legacy of Kimmelot’s TV projects
Kimmelot has made a notable impact in the television landscape with projects like the ABC comedy specials “Live in Front of a Studio Audience”. These specials featured live remakes of classic episodes from Norman Lear-produced sitcoms such as “All in the Family” and “Good Times,” starring contemporary actors. The 2020 edition of this series won an Emmy for outstanding variety show, serving as a fitting tribute to Lear, who passed away in December 2023 at the age of 101.
For those interested in revisiting these iconic moments, you can watch the trailer for Live in Front of a Studio Audience.
Brent Montgomery’s vision for Wheelhouse
Brent Montgomery, a veteran unscripted producer and former head of ITV America, launched Wheelhouse in January 2018. He is best known for creating the enduring History Channel series “Pawn Stars” and selling his Leftfield Entertainment for a staggering $350 million in 2014. Montgomery’s vision for Wheelhouse was to provide investment and creative support to help producers nurture their own projects and imprints.
Among the current Wheelhouse-produced series are Netflix’s “King of Collectibles” from executive producer Peyton Manning, “Buying Beverly Hills”, “Players”, Hulu’s “Secret Chef” with Chang, “WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn”, and the upcoming “Got to Get Out”. Additionally, Max’s “Smartless: On the Road” and Roku’s “Celebrity Family Cookoff” with Sofia Vergara are part of Wheelhouse’s diverse portfolio.
For more information on these series, you can check out the trailers for King of Collectibles, Buying Beverly Hills, and Secret Chef.
The future of Kimmelot and Wheelhouse
Scott Lonker, president of Kimmelot, will continue to play an executive role at Wheelhouse during the transition period. This move ensures a smooth handover and continued collaboration on existing projects.
Kimmelot’s journey from its inception in 2018 to its current independent status reflects the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry. As Kimmelot and Wheelhouse embark on their separate paths, both entities are poised to continue making significant contributions to the world of television and media.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, this development is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the entertainment industry. The collaboration between Kimmelot and Wheelhouse has brought us memorable moments and innovative content. As they move forward independently, we can expect even more exciting projects and creative ventures.
Whether you’re a fan of live TV specials, unscripted series, or groundbreaking documentaries, the future looks bright for both Kimmelot and Wheelhouse. Keep an eye out for their upcoming projects, and don’t forget to explore the trailers and information pages linked throughout this article for a deeper dive into their work.
In the world of entertainment, change is the only constant, and this transition is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of industry leaders like Jimmy Kimmel and Brent Montgomery.