Kenan Thompson is returning to the America’s Got Talent judges’ table as Simon Cowell takes time away from the NBC competition series while recovering from back surgery.
Cowell is expected to miss multiple weeks of AGT following the procedure, creating a temporary opening alongside the show’s other judges.
NBC has confirmed Thompson as a guest judge for an upcoming episode, marking a familiar return for the longtime Saturday Night Live comedian, who previously stepped in for Cowell during another back-related absence.
The development has raised questions about how long Cowell will be away from America’s Got Talent and whether Thompson could remain on the panel for more than one episode.
Why Is Simon Cowell Missing From America’s Got Talent?
Cowell has reportedly been dealing with ongoing back problems and recently underwent a surgical procedure.
His recovery will require him to spend time away from America’s Got Talent, although the exact date of his return has not been announced in the information available.
The absence means Cowell, one of the show’s most recognizable personalities, will temporarily be missing from the judges’ table as the competition continues.
For now, his recovery appears to be the priority while producers prepare to continue the show with guest-judging arrangements.
Kenan Thompson Confirmed as AGT Guest Judge
America’s Got Talent announced Thompson’s upcoming appearance through its social media channels.
“A comedy legend is taking over the Judges’ table! Kenan Thompson is joining AGT as a guest Judge!” the show announced.
Thompson brings decades of television and comedy experience to the panel, giving contestants another veteran entertainer to impress with their performances.
Whether his latest appearance will be limited to one episode remains uncertain.
If Cowell requires a longer recovery period, AGT could potentially continue with Thompson or use other guest judges. No broader replacement schedule was confirmed in the information available.
Kenan Thompson Has Replaced Simon Cowell Before
This will not be Thompson’s first experience filling Simon Cowell’s seat on America’s Got Talent.
He previously appeared as a replacement judge in 2020, when Cowell was forced away from the series after suffering a serious back injury.
Cowell injured his back in an electric bike accident at his Malibu home and subsequently underwent surgery, causing him to miss a significant portion of the season.
Thompson was among the guest judges brought in during Cowell’s absence.
His return in 2026 therefore brings him back to a role he has already performed under similar circumstances.
Who Is Kenan Thompson?
Thompson has built one of the longest and most recognizable careers in American television comedy.
Many viewers first became familiar with him through Nickelodeon, including his work on All That and the popular comedy series Kenan & Kel.
He also starred alongside Kel Mitchell in the 1997 comedy film Good Burger, which developed a lasting following and later received a sequel.
Thompson eventually joined Saturday Night Live, where his lengthy tenure made him the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history.
His experience performing live comedy and working across television, film and sketch entertainment gives him a different perspective to bring to the AGT judging panel.
When Will Simon Cowell Return to AGT?
An exact date for Simon Cowell’s return to America’s Got Talent has not been confirmed in the information provided.
His absence is expected to last multiple weeks as he recovers from his back procedure.
How quickly Cowell returns will likely depend on his recovery and medical guidance.
Until then, the show can use guest judges to keep the competition moving without making a permanent change to its judging lineup.
What Kenan Thompson Could Bring to the AGT Judges’ Table
Thompson’s background makes him particularly suited to evaluating comedy and variety acts.
Unlike a permanent judge joining the series for an entire season, a guest appearance also gives AGT an opportunity to introduce a different personality without significantly changing the established panel.
His previous experience on the show means he is also familiar with the format.
For viewers, the biggest question will be whether Thompson’s appearance remains a one-night return or develops into a longer temporary role while Cowell recovers.
For now, Kenan Thompson is confirmed to return to the America’s Got Talent judges’ table as Simon Cowell focuses on recovering from back surgery.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available concerning Simon Cowell’s reported absence from America’s Got Talent and Kenan Thompson’s announced appearance as a guest judge. The precise length of Cowell’s recovery period and the number of episodes Thompson will appear in have not been confirmed in the information provided. Scheduling details may change as NBC and America’s Got Talent release additional updates.