ABC has denied reports that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will end next year, calling the claim “inaccurate” and stating any future of the show remains “purely speculative.”
An ABC Entertainment spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly on Tuesday that the information is inaccurate. The statement followed Page Six’s report that the upcoming 24th season of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would be the show’s last, citing a source who said Kimmel’s contract would not be extended beyond May 2027.
ABC’s denial does not indicate a new contract for Kimmel beyond his current deal, which was extended for one year last year and runs through May 2027. Kimmel, 58, has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003 and is now entering his 24th season, making him one of the longest-running hosts in late-night television.
He has become one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics on late-night television, frequently dedicating portions of his opening monologues to attacking Trump, his administration, and its policies. Kimmel has repeatedly mocked Trump personally as well as criticized the president’s approach to issues including immigration, foreign policy, and other administration priorities.
Trump has repeatedly attacked Kimmel and his program, demanding the comedian be fired. Kimmel’s relationship with ABC became particularly contentious last year after his comments about the killing of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
ABC temporarily suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in September 2025 following remarks Kimmel made about the political response to Kirk’s killing during a monologue. The suspension came after pressure from conservative critics, including Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, and a decision by major ABC affiliate owner Nexstar to stop airing the program.
Kimmel returned to the air days later after ABC ended the suspension. The controversy became a major free-speech issue, with supporters of Kimmel arguing that the network had yielded to political pressure and critics claiming his comments about Kirk were inappropriate.
This tension has continued this year. Trump has urged ABC to fire Kimmel, while the FCC has initiated an early review of the broadcast licenses of eight Disney-owned ABC stations. Disney has sued to block the FCC action, arguing that the agency’s steps constitute retaliation against the company over programming and editorial decisions.
The Page Six report indicated the potential end of Kimmel’s show would be tied to broader cost-cutting and restructuring at ABC and Disney rather than political pressure stemming from his clashes with Trump. ABC has not confirmed this explanation or announced the show will end.
Kimmel’s current contract is a one-year extension through May 2027, a shorter term than the longer agreements he previously signed. Kimmel acknowledged that this arrangement reflects uncertainty in the television business.
He and his wife, Molly McNearney, an executive producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” have also discussed the possibility of Kimmel eventually retiring from late-night television.
For now, Kimmel is returning Tuesday for the show’s 24th season following its summer break, with ABC stating reports suggesting a 2027 finale remain speculative.
