Jimmy Kimmel Live! has not been canceled, despite a new report claiming the long-running ABC late-night show could end when Jimmy Kimmel’s current contract expires in May 2027. ABC has pushed back on the report, calling the information inaccurate and saying claims about the show’s future are currently speculative.
The conflicting accounts have put fresh attention on one of America’s longest-running late-night programs. Kimmel has hosted the show since 2003, while his current agreement keeps him at ABC through May 2027. No final decision beyond that date has been announced.
🚨Jimmy Kimmel’s Show To END After 24 Years
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 8, 2026
Kimmel attacked Charlie Kirk days after his murder, joked about President Trump being assassinated multiple times, fantasized about Trump being thrown in jail and being killed by inmates all on public taxpayer-funded airwaves.
None of… pic.twitter.com/szrPV8nDVM
Report Raises Questions Over Kimmel’s ABC Future
The speculation began after Page Six reported that Kimmel’s contract was not expected to be extended beyond May 2027. Citing an unnamed source, the outlet suggested the current season could become his final run on ABC.
If that happens, Kimmel would leave after roughly 24 years with the network. For now, however, the report remains separate from any official announcement by ABC or Kimmel.
ABC Rejects the 2027 Ending Claim
ABC responded directly to the report, describing the information as inaccurate and saying current claims about the program’s future are speculative.
The show also remains active on the network. ABC’s official Jimmy Kimmel Live schedule lists new September 2026 episodes, confirming that the program is continuing with its current season.
An expiring contract can lead to negotiations, a renewal or a departure, but it does not mean the program has already been canceled.
Kimmel’s Current Contract Runs Through May 2027
Kimmel signed a one-year extension in December 2025 that keeps him at ABC through May 2027. The shorter deal attracted attention because his previous agreement had covered a longer period.
Kimmel has also spoken publicly about eventually stepping away from late-night television. His wife, Molly McNearney, who is an executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has discussed those retirement conversations as well.
Those comments provide context for the uncertainty surrounding the show, but Kimmel has not announced a retirement date and ABC has not confirmed a final season.
Business Pressures Are Part of the Reported Context
The Page Six report suggested that any possible decision to end the show would be more closely tied to business considerations at Disney and ABC than to Kimmel’s political disputes.
It pointed to broader restructuring and cost-control efforts at Disney. ABC has not confirmed that those measures are affecting the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, so that explanation remains part of the reporting rather than an established reason for a decision.
The 2025 Suspension Still Shapes the Story
The latest uncertainty follows a turbulent period for Kimmel and ABC. In September 2025, the network temporarily suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! amid controversy over comments connected to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and pressure from some affiliate groups.
The program returned days later, and Kimmel’s comeback episode drew approximately 6.26 million viewers, giving the show one of its biggest regularly scheduled audiences in years.
Kimmel and President Donald Trump have also repeatedly criticized each other publicly. The current reporting, however, has not established that their political conflict is the reason behind the latest contract speculation.
Season 24 Continues on ABC
Kimmel is back after the show’s summer break, during which ABC used a rotating group of guest hosts. The new season is now underway with guests including Andrew Garfield, Mariska Hargitay and Gal Gadot.
Garfield is also leading another major entertainment project this year, starring as Sam Altman in the upcoming drama Artificial.
The wider entertainment industry is also seeing established television properties return in new formats. Netflix has confirmed The Inbetweeners 3 with its original cast, reflecting the continuing value of familiar franchises across film and streaming.
ABC Has Not Announced a Final Season
As of September 2026, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains on ABC and Kimmel’s current agreement still runs through May 2027. The network has rejected claims that the show’s ending has already been decided.
Unless ABC or Kimmel announces a renewal, departure or final season, May 2027 should be treated as the expiration date of the current contract rather than a confirmed cancellation date.
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