Kimmel's ABC Stay
The American television host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel has agreed to stay with ABC. His current contract, scheduled to expire in May 2026, has been extended
to cover the 2026-27 television season. The agreement was reached several months ago between Kimmel and Disney, but the announcement was postponed out of respect for his fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert. Kimmel's show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', is currently in its 24th season. Despite some previous speculation that his time at ABC was coming to an end, Kimmel will remain on the network. He had previously stated his uncertainty about continuing, often contradicting his plans. The new one-year extension leaves the possibility of another renewal in 2027. This decision follows a period of turbulence for the host.
Controversy and Suspension
The contract extension occurred after Kimmel faced a period of controversy. ABC had briefly suspended Kimmel in September due to comments concerning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked backlash. Kimmel's return to the show was marked by strong viewership numbers and a continuation of his jokes. President Donald Trump urged ABC to remove Kimmel from the air. Despite these pressures, ABC confirmed Kimmel's continued presence on the network. Kimmel acknowledged the uncertainty regarding his suspension, stating that he thought his time at ABC was over. Despite the challenges, Kimmel has secured his position on the network, dismissing the appeal for his removal. His return coincided with higher ratings and more pointed humor.
Impact and Future
The extension of Kimmel's contract signifies the importance of his show to ABC's programming. The show continues to be successful, even after the controversies. The network has decided to keep Kimmel, with his new contract extending to May 2027. It also means that the door is open for another renewal. The renewal decision underscores the network's confidence in Kimmel's audience appeal and his show's ability to drive viewership. Kimmel also hosts 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' on ABC. His continued presence on ABC guarantees that fans can continue watching the show. This decision reflects the strong performance of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in the late-night landscape. The comedian has also hosted the Academy Awards.
