Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted his show Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC since 2003, is discussing the possibility of ending his late-night television program amidst the controversies surrounding President Trump.
The show remains profitable for ABC, according to Kimmel, but last year, instead of offering him a three-year renewal, the network extended Kimmel’s contract for only one more year.
Kimmel’s contract with ABC expires in May 2027. The comedian commented that, while contract discussions are usually underway at this time of year, ABC has not yet begun the negotiation process for an extension. “That seemed to make sense,” Kimmel said, adding, “It’s definitely not how it’s been before.” “I don’t know what ABC will want to do,” he said. “It’s an unusual situation, but I still have a year left on my contract, and that’s what I agreed to.”
Kimmel’s contract with ABC expires in May 2027. I said, “When Biden is president,” I would retire, but the show ultimately lasted beyond Joe Biden’s presidency (and his reelection bid).
I said, “When Biden is president,” I would retire, but the show ultimately lasted beyond Joe Biden’s presidency (and his reelection bid). As for what an earlier-than-expected end to the show would look like, Kimmel said he has certainly thought about it. “It’s important to me to be responsible.” “I know I could go out with a bang and get a lot of applause, but it would be very selfish.”
Erin Irwin, Kimmel’s longtime producer, said he’s been talking about leaving for some time and expressed her hope that the show will continue until the 2028 election. That said, she also expressed some doubt about whether Kimmel would be willing to continue for another two years. “I don’t know if Jimmy can do it that long. He’s tired.”
Adam Carolla, Kimmel’s longtime friend and creative partner, offered his own theory, noting that Kimmel has included loved ones on his team, such as his wife, various family members, and childhood friends, and that upon his retirement, he wonders what will happen to his entire team.
Kimmel, the host, known for Visibly moved, even shedding tears, he said, “As soon as I start talking, I think, ‘Oh, I’m not going to be able to hold it in.'” “Maybe that’s why I haven’t retired yet. Because I know that on my last show, I’m going to be a disaster,” Kimmel joked.
The host of Jimmy Kimmel Live has defended Stephen Colbert in recent months following the cancellation of his show, and after the finale, he admitted that the abrupt cancellation felt like a grim glimpse into his own future. “I feel a little defeated,” Kimmel said. “In many ways, I feel like I’m seeing my own future.” “We’re not just dying of natural causes.” “They’re poisoning us,” he added.
Kimmel confirmed the possibility that his show could end as a result of his contentious relationship with President Donald Trump. Last year, Disney temporarily pulled Kimmel’s show from the schedule in September after pressure from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr over a joke about the MAGA gang’s response to the murder of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel returned to the air within a week, but the public feud has not subsided.
More recently, Kimmel again incurred the president’s wrath with a joke about First Lady Melania Trump, whom he described as “a glow like a pregnant widow.” Two days later, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was interrupted when a gunman reportedly opened fire at the Washington Hilton. Trump was quick to criticize Kimmel harshly, calling for his immediate firing, alleging that he incited violence with his comment and demanding his immediate dismissal by Disney and ABC. Kimmel noted that while in both cases “the truth was “On my side as a defense,” that wouldn’t always be the case. “What if I really do something wrong?” Kimmel said, laughing. “It’s inevitable.”
