ABC’s staple late-night program ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ may be approaching its final chapter, according to recent media reports.
WASHINGTON, DC: Having anchored ABC’s late-night schedule since 2003, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ stands as one of the network’s most enduring broadcasts. With late-night television currently facing heightened scrutiny, rumors suggesting the program will conclude in 2027—marking a 24-year run—have generated significant buzz among viewers. A closer look reveals the truth behind these rumors.
Claim: ABC’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ is not ‘getting extended’
Recent online reports citing Page Six suggest that the upcoming season of the late-night talk show could very well be its last. An insider familiar with the situation stated, “His contract is not getting extended.” The new season kicked off on Tuesday and is slated to run through May 2027, which would cap off 24 years on the air.
Kimmel has long favored signing rolling, year-to-year contracts—a rarity in the television industry that affords him greater flexibility. This speculation also follows a successful four-night guest-hosting stint by Rosie O’Donnell, which reportedly brought in impressive viewing figures.
According to sources, O’Donnell was completely “in her element” during her time behind the desk. She also made waves online by taking aim at her longtime critic, President Trump, through a comedic parody of the traditional Irish ballad “Danny Boy,” which she retitled “Donnie Boy.”
Sources have clarified that any potential ending for the show is unlikely to stem from Kimmel’s occasionally tense relationship with the Trump administration.
Earlier this year, Kimmel found himself in a sharp public feud with Trump after joking that First Lady Melania Trump possessed “a glow like an expectant widow,” remarks made just days prior to a third reported assassination attempt against the former president.
The comment provoked an angry response from Trump, who publicly demanded that ABC terminate Kimmel’s contract. Trump also criticized the host over statements regarding Charlie Kirk’s security in September 2025, an incident that prompted Disney CEO Bob Iger to briefly pull the program from the schedule.
Nevertheless, insiders maintain that the current Disney leadership, specifically CEO Josh D’Amaro, will not let political friction dictate network decisions. A television industry source remarked, “He’s not afraid of the administration… Josh isn’t folding.”
Fact Check: The claim is false
The circulating claims are entirely inaccurate. An official spokesperson for ABC Entertainment addressed the rumors, stating, “[This] information is inaccurate — any reports about the future of the show at this point are purely speculative.”
While Kimmel has historically relied on short-term agreements and has frequently joked or spoken candidly about eventually stepping away from the daily grind of late-night TV, neither he nor the network has formally announced an end date. Furthermore, the show launched its newest season right around the time these rumors began spreading.
Addressing attendees at a recent Screentime event, Kimmel admitted he is hesitant to make definitive statements about his career timeline anymore. “I often answer that question, and then I do the opposite of what I said previously. I said this is going to be like my last one [on the] last three contracts. I said this is the last one. So, I’ve learned not to say anything anymore, because it upsets my staff,” he explained.
During a meeting with his production team, Kimmel reaffirmed his belief that the late-night format still holds a viable future. However, he pointed out that the skyrocketing expenses associated with mounting these productions—which he estimates run around $120 million annually—pose a significant industry hurdle.
“I don’t think there’s a reason for these shows to go away. I think there are different. There are ways. These shows started out because they were a way to get high-priced talent for almost free. That was the whole trick. That was the whole reason they started these shows. It was deemed to be promotional. So, the idea that these shows need to cost $120M is crazy,” Kimmel noted.
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ is currently broadcasting its 24th season.