Kenan Thompson replaces Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent—surprise?

**Kenan Thompson Steps In as Simon Cowell’s Temporary Judge on America’s Got Talent**

The NBC competition series announced on Saturday that comedian Kenan Thompson will fill in for judge Simon Cowell while the show‑producer recovers from back surgery. Thompson, 48, will appear on Season 21 alongside Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B on Tuesday.

It remains unclear whether he will join the remaining five episodes or if other surprise judges will step in.

A new Instagram post by *America’s Got Talent* read: “A comedy legend is taking over the Judges’ table!” The photo showed Thompson, a longtime *Saturday Night Live* cast member, grinning beside the show’s logo. The caption added: “Kenan Thompson is joining AGT as a guest Judge! 🎉.”

Cowell’s absence has followed a series of back‑related injuries. Fox News reported earlier this month that the 66‑year‑old would miss a few weeks to undergo surgery that would address his ongoing back problems. In 2020, he was injured in an electric‑bike accident in Malibu, landing on his back and breaking it in multiple places.

He was taken to a hospital, underwent a six‑hour procedure, and had a metal rod inserted. The incident caused him to miss the majority of Season 15.

## Background & Context

Cowell’s 2020 accident left him sidelined for an extended period. , “When he fell off the bike, he landed right on his back, which broke in a number of places.” In a People interview in 2021, he reflected: “I’ve got to be honest with you, it wasn’t that bad actually breaking your back.” He added, “I mean it wasn’t great for 3 to 4 weeks but after that you get through it.”

The judge also suffered a broken arm in a separate e‑bike injury in 2022. While recovering from the surgery, he was accompanied by longtime partner Lauren Silverman, 49, and their now‑12‑year‑old son Eric. His absence from *America’s Got Talent* underscored the physical demands of judging an entertainment program.

Thompson’s career spans more than two decades. He has been a cast member of *SNL* since 2003 and is known for his roles in the 1997 comedy *Good Burger* as Dexter Reed and the late‑90s TV series *Kenan & Kel*. In 2020, he had already stepped in as a guest judge when Cowell’s back injury forced him off the show.

## What Happened

The Instagram announcement confirmed Thompson will sit in at the Judges’ table for the forthcoming Season 21 episode. He will share the stage with Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B on Tuesday.

While the show’s official post did not specify a longer commitment, it left open whether Thompson will appear in the remaining five episodes or if other surprise judges will be brought in.

The decision to bring in Thompson follows Cowell’s recent surgery and recovery period. Fox News noted that he would miss a few weeks of *America’s Got Talent* to undergo and recover from the procedure. The show’s production team appeared to prioritize continuity by selecting a familiar face with a strong comedic pedigree.

## What Happens Next

It is still uncertain how long Cowell will be absent from the judging panel. The show’s producers have not announced a replacement schedule beyond Thompson’s first appearance. Whether Thompson will return for subsequent episodes or if other surprise judges will step in remains unknown.

*America’s Got Talent* airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, and fans can expect to see the lineup change unfold over the coming weeks. As Cowell recovers from his back surgery, viewers will watch to see whether he returns to the Judges’ table or whether the show continues to feature guest judges like Thompson.

The temporary shift in judges underscores the resilience of television production teams in adapting to unforeseen circumstances while keeping audiences entertained.