Thereafter, Jessel guest-starred on NBC's "The Jimmy Durante Show". In 1968, he starred in "Here Come the Stars", a syndicated variety show. However, his attempt to extend his career was undermined by a perception that his style of comedy was outdated, as well as by his outspoken support of the American entry into the Vietnam War and of conservative political causes. He often crossed the era's stereotypical political lines with his support for the civil rights movement and criticism of racism and anti-Semitism. His outspokenness regarding his political opinions sometimes caused a scandal. In 1971, while being interviewed by Edwin Newman on "The Today Show" on NBC, he repeatedly referred to "The New York Times" as "Pravda" (the house organ of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union), and the interview was cut short.