Emmys 2012: Jimmy Kimmel prank makes Tracy Morgan "pass out" on Emmy stage

Jimmy Kimmel and actor Tracy Morgan speak onstage during the 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 23, 2012, in Los Angeles.

/ Getty

(CBS News) Jimmy Kimmel promised a prank at Sunday's Emmy Awards and he followed through on his commitment.

Mid-way through the show, the first-time host asked viewers tuning into the ceremony to get in on the joke by pulling a prank on non-viewers in an effort to see how quickly the rumor would spread and attract additional viewers.

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After asking actor Tracy Morgan to join him on stage, Kimmel told viewers to tweet: "Tracy Morgan just passed out on stage the Emmys. Turn ABC on now."

Then he instructed Morgan to lie down on stage.

"Just lie there for about 10 minutes or so. And when people tune in they will see this on the stage," Kimmel said as Morgan got in position.

Morgan followed instructions, and 10 or so minutes later, he was still there. When the Emmys returned from a commercial break, Kimmel said that everything was alright and that Morgan was OK; it was "just exhaustion."

So did anyone fall for it? A quick search on Twitter turned up thousands of tweets involving Kimmel's prank.

Tell us: What do you think about Kimmel's joke?

[vantatoian]

The so called prank fell flat literally and figuratively. Overall I'd give Kimmel a C+.

[Verascity]

Overall I liked the show and I'm delighted with Damian Lewis' win and his sense of humor.
Jon Stewart's fight to get to the podium was fun.
Michelle Dockery should have taken the Emmy in her category.
Tina Fey's dress was the best on the red carpet.
But: Kimmel...not so good. Prank...dopey.
A different host next time, please.

[CarsonCitySteve]

I watched the football game. Far more entertaining. Giving out awards to the likes of "Modern Family" doesn't interest me. Speaking of which, what does this lead to? More "alternative lifestyle" comedies on TV. I miss Cheers.

[LAAJA]

Prank aside, I saw a clip of Tracy walking into the Emmys, looking genuinely happy. I like that.

[micmac666]

Oh, Dear Lord. I just pray that Mr. Morgan is O.K.

[bgtaylor4]

Flipping channels after 60 minutes, caught this little bit getting started. Then turned to a DVD as there was nothing on to watch. The Emmy's were of no interest as, having looked at the nominee list, realized I'd seen none of these shows and had no stake in the results.

[dman6015]

Dumb and not funny, like the rest of his bits, especially his personal "In Memoriam"

[Bush-cheney-R-Terrorists]

Very funny!

[YourManinManila]

Like the Man Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live...Lame.

[puzzler125]

NOT funny!