Rumors about the future of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show surfaced this week after several reports suggested that his contract might not be renewed. ABC quickly responded to these claims, but their statement left some questions unanswered.
The network clarified that news stating “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would conclude after its next season was not accurate. An ABC Entertainment representative told Us Weekly that any discussions about the show’s future were merely speculation. This statement followed a Page Six article indicating that the 25th season of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”—which started on Tuesday—was expected to end with Kimmel’s last episode in May 2027. According to a source, Kimmel’s contract would not be extended. Another source informed TMZ that discussions among staff suggested Kimmel had been exploring ideas for new shows and podcasts.
Kimmel, who has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003, usually signs contracts year by year, which gives him more freedom regarding his career decisions. The timing of these rumors is interesting, as they came shortly after Rosie O’Donnell’s successful guest-hosting appearance, where she received positive attention for her performance, including a viral moment poking fun at former President Trump.
Despite his long-standing history of conflict with the Trump administration, sources indicate that Kimmel’s possible departure is not influenced by this past. Earlier this year, Kimmel faced backlash from Trump after a joke about the first lady, and Trump even called for Kimmel’s firing. Nevertheless, sources suggest that the new Disney CEO, Josh D’Amaro, is not yielding to political pressures and is focused on company restructuring, implying that budgetary issues rather than politics could be behind any changes.
Kimmel had already been considering the end of his show prior to these recent reports. Following the cancellation of another late-night program, Kimmel expressed uncertainty about his own future, indicating that he felt disheartened by the situation.
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Source: Amo Media, by Amo Media