Jimmy Kimmel, the long-standing host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has recently hinted that he may not renew his contract with ABC when it expires in 2026. Now more signs are pointing to a future at ABC that doesn’t feature Jimmy as a late night host.
In a February 2024 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kimmel stated, “I think this is my final contract,” expressing that the remaining time on his current agreement “seems like enough” . This sentiment was echoed in discussions on the Politickin’ podcast, where Kimmel shared concerns about his post-show future, acknowledging the limited opportunities for late-night hosts after their programs conclude.
Jimmy Kimmel prioritizes repeatedly warning America about Trump over ratings:
Malcolm Gladwell: “Is it a problem that a significant portion of the country is excluded from your show or late night TV?”
Jimmy Kimmel: “I don’t know if it’s a problem. We’d have higher ratings if they… pic.twitter.com/8abkKaDrgl— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) February 13, 2025
Kimmel’s contemplation of retirement coincides with a period of declining ratings for his show. In the first quarter of 2025, Jimmy Kimmel Live! experienced a 24% drop in viewership among the 18–49 demographic compared to the previous quarter, marking the steepest decline among its time-slot competitors . While the show saw a temporary 45% increase in total viewers during a week in April 2025, it still trailed behind The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in overall ratings.
Industry analysts attribute the downturn in late-night television viewership to several factors, including the proliferation of streaming services and a shift in audience preferences toward digital content. Innovative online interview formats like Hot Ones and Chicken Shop Date have gained popularity, offering more authentic and engaging content that resonates with younger audiences . Kimmel himself has acknowledged the uncertain future of late-night shows, suggesting that in a decade, there may be only one remaining on network TV.
Jimmy Kimmel performing a Monologue on his ABC show – X, @kylenabecker
“[It] suggests we won’t have Jimmy Kimmel Live! at some point in 2026 and that’s a bummer. He’s been a staple of the TV landscape and even if he’s not your cup of tea, Hollywood and pop culture have run through him. If you’re interested in knowing what’s going on in that world, then losing someone with their finger on that pulse is a big loss.”
— Zachary Moser, ScreenRant
With Kimmel now likely to exit ABC next year, the timing may be related to a Disney company more reluctant to engage in politics overtly. The parent company of ABC could sunset Kimmel just in time to avoid his commentary on midterm elections.
It’s no surprise then that some of Kimmel’s recent jokes at his Upfront monologue were most viciously aimed at Bob Iger and the Disney Company:
Of the four major networks, NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox, only one of us didn’t see viewership go up year to year. Now I’m not going to tell you which one of us it is, because it doesn’t matter so don’t ask. Just be happy for all of us. We don’t need good ratings at ABC, Disney, Hulu, ESPN, FX, Tim FanDuel, KFC, Cash App. We are about one thing and one thing only. IP. Our IP.
Jimmy Kimmel reading tweets from President Trump at The Oscars – YouTube, New York Post
As Kimmel approaches the end of his current contract, he has expressed interest in pursuing personal hobbies such as cooking, drawing, and sculpting. While he has not made a definitive decision about his retirement, the combination of declining ratings and the evolving media landscape suggests that Jimmy Kimmel Live! may be nearing its conclusion. Disney, likely, can’t wait for that day to come.
