Jimmy Kimmel’s long-running ABC late-night program could be approaching its final season after more than two decades on television, though the network is pushing back on a report that its fate has already been decided.
Page Six reported Monday that the upcoming season of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is expected to be the show’s last, with a source claiming Kimmel’s contract will not be extended.
The season begins Tuesday and is expected to conclude in May 2027, which would bring Kimmel’s run to an end after 24 years on ABC.
However, ABC Entertainment disputed the report.
A network spokesperson said information claiming the show is ending is “inaccurate” and maintained that reports concerning its future remain speculative.
Page Six nevertheless reported that sources familiar with the situation expect Kimmel’s current deal to expire without another extension. The outlet’s reporting has not been independently confirmed, and ABC has not officially announced a cancellation.
Kimmel has traditionally operated under unusual year-to-year agreements with the network rather than signing lengthy contracts, giving him greater flexibility over his future.
The comedian has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003, placing him among the longest-serving late-night hosts in network television history.
Questions surrounding his future arrive during a turbulent period for the late-night television business.
CBS ended “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May, while networks continue facing questions over the cost and long-term viability of traditional late-night programming.
The Page Six report suggested cost-cutting and corporate restructuring at Disney could be factors in any eventual decision involving Kimmel.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has reportedly offered early-retirement packages to veteran executives as part of broader efforts to reduce expenses.
One ABC source told the outlet that any decision regarding Kimmel “wouldn’t have anything to do with Trump.”
Kimmel has frequently clashed with President Donald Trump and his administration, making politics a prominent part of his recent monologues.
The host was temporarily removed from the air in September 2025 following remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger later denied that the suspension was politically motivated and said company officials considered Kimmel’s remarks to have been in poor taste.
Kimmel later returned to ABC after several days off the air.
Earlier this year, Trump again publicly criticized Kimmel following a joke involving first lady Melania Trump and called on ABC to fire the late-night host.
Sources cited by Page Six maintained that Disney’s current leadership would not base Kimmel’s future on pressure from the administration.
“He’s not afraid of the administration … Josh isn’t folding,” one television insider said of D’Amaro.
The report follows a successful guest-hosting stint by Rosie O’Donnell, who recently filled in for Kimmel for four nights.
O’Donnell reportedly performed well in the ratings and drew attention after mocking Trump with a parody song titled “Donnie Boy.”
ABC and Disney are simultaneously involved in a legal battle with the Federal Communications Commission over the agency’s decision to accelerate license-renewal proceedings for ABC-owned television stations. ABC has alleged that the action violates its First Amendment rights, while the FCC has denied that its review is retaliation over Kimmel or other ABC programming.
