Jimmy Kimmel's Future on Late-Night Television Uncertain

<p>Jimmy Kimmel’s 24-year run in late-night television may end next year, according to a report that ABC is denying. </p><p><a href="https://pagesix.com/2026/09/08/entertainment/jimmy-kimmels-late-night-show-set-to-end-after-next-season-after-24-years/"><span>Page Six</span></a> reported on September 8, 2026, that ABC does not plan to extend Kimmel's contract after it expires in May 2027, and that the upcoming season of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is expected to be the show’s last, citing sources familiar with the situation. </p><p>“His contract is not getting extended,” one source told the outlet.</p><p>ABC responded to the report, stating that it has not made a decision about the show’s future. A network spokesman said, “This information is inaccurate — any reports about the future of the show at this point are purely speculative.”</p><p>Kimmel, 58, signed a one-year extension with Disney in December 2025 after his previous contract was set to expire in May 2026. He has maintained an unusual arrangement with ABC, frequently signing year-to-year contracts rather than the multiyear agreements common among major television hosts, allowing him more flexibility amid speculation about his eventual retirement.</p><p>If the Page Six report is accurate, Kimmel’s final episode would air in May 2027, concluding a run that began in January 2003.</p><p>The report emerged as Kimmel prepares to return to ABC on September 8, 2026, following his summer hiatus. The network has scheduled Andrew Garfield and Joey King to join him for his return. ABC’s schedule confirms the show will continue to air at 11:35 p.m. throughout the week.</p><p>Kimmel's potential departure follows a turbulent year for the late-night host. In September 2025, ABC <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/abc-pulls-jimmy-kimmels-late-night-show-indefinitely-after-charlie-kirk-comments?author=Tim+Pearce&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=ABC+Pulls+Jimmy+Kimmel%E2%80%99s+Late+Night+Show+%E2%80%98Indefinitely%E2%80%99+After+Charlie+Kirk+Comments">pulled</a> his show from the air following controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.</p><p>ABC initially stated that the program would be preempted indefinitely before Kimmel returned to the air several days later.</p><p>Kimmel has also been one of President Donald Trump’s most frequent critics in late-night television, while Trump has repeatedly called for ABC to take action against the comedian. The political dispute has continued into 2026, although the sources cited by Page Six reportedly do not believe politics is the reason for the alleged decision to end the show.</p><p>Instead, Page Six reported that cost-cutting and restructuring at Disney could be a factor. The company has undergone broader restructuring under Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, including efforts to reduce costs.</p><p>Kimmel’s potential departure would come amid a broader shake-up in late-night television. CBS recently ended “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” another long-running program hosted by a comedian who has frequently targeted Trump and his administration.</p>