Will Arnett Claims He's A Better Friend Than Jimmy Kimmel

Will Arnett is setting the bar high for friendship—at least, that's what he playfully argued during his opening monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

On May 2, 2017, the Arrested Development (2003-06, 2013) star filled in as late-night host for his friend Jimmy Kimmel, who is out on paternity leave. "I gotta say, I'm not surprised that Jimmy asked me to do this. When you want someone to fill in for you, but you don't want them to be too good, I'm your guy," Arnett self-deprecatingly joked. "He's not going to hire somebody that could potentially replace him."

But the Flaked (2016-) actor wasn't the only subject of his own zings. "You know, it's funny, Jimmy had a son, and I dropped everything to come host this show," Arnett said. "And when I had my sons, all Jimmy did was send me an Edible Arrangement, which whatever—it's not a competition." He then rhetorically asked the audience, "But if it were a competition, which it is...we can all clearly agree that I'm the better friend, right?"

Arnett also touched upon Kimmel's emotional monologue from the previous evening, during which the comedian opened up about his newborn son's heart condition. "Very powerful, full of emotion, and a very, very beautiful tribute," Arnett said. "And I just want to offer my best wishes to Jimmy, Molly, Jane, and Billy—we're thinking of you guys. Sending lots of love!"

As Nicki Swift previously reported, following a successful operation, Kimmel's son, Billy, is now home with his family and is "doing great." But as a tearful Kimmel stated, "No parent should ever have to decide if they can afford to save their child's life."

Video of Kimmel's May 2, 2017 monologue quickly went viral, garnering empathy and support from millions of people, including Former President Barack Obama, who tweeted his praise for Kimmel and the Affordable Care Act. "Well said, Jimmy," he wrote. "That's exactly why we fought so hard for the ACA, and why we need to protect it for kids like Billy."

According to E! News, Kimmel's pals Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, and David Spade will take their turns as fill-in hosts while Kimmel goes on leave.