In a decision that ends weeks of speculation, ABC has officially renewed Jimmy Kimmel Live! for another year, extending the host’s contract through the 2026–2027 season. The announcement, first reported by Bloomberg, comes after a turbulent few months that saw Kimmel suspended, attacked on social media by former President Donald Trump, and ultimately rebound to record viewership.
For fans, the renewal means one thing: Jimmy Kimmel isn’t going anywhere just yet. The late-night comedian, who has been a fixture on ABC since 2003, will continue to lead one of television’s most enduring talk shows.
Media analyst Dana Feldman calls the renewal “a calculated but confident move” by ABC.
“Kimmel remains one of the last late-night hosts capable of generating consistent viral moments and political conversation. Despite controversy, his audience is loyal and his cultural influence remains unmatched.”
Introduction: From Controversy to Contract Renewal
The renewal comes at a pivotal time for the network and the broader late-night television landscape. Just months ago, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was temporarily taken off the air after a dispute over comments related to the Charlie Kirk assassin controversy, which quickly drew responses from both Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
ABC’s decision to suspend the show sparked a wave of backlash and boycotts from viewers, forcing the network to reconsider. Within days, Kimmel was reinstated and his return episode earned the show’s highest viewership in nearly two years.
Despite the heated exchanges, ABC opted for a short-term contract extension rather than a long-term commitment, signalling both support for Kimmel and caution amid ongoing political tensions.
Overview: ABC Renews Jimmy Kimmel Live!
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Show Title | Jimmy Kimmel Live! |
| Network | ABC |
| Host | Jimmy Kimmel |
| Renewal Period | Through 2026–2027 Season |
| First Premiered | January 26, 2003 |
| Recent Controversy | Suspension following political remarks and Trump’s reaction |
| Recent Viewership | Record ratings after return episode |
| Competitor Landscape | Stephen Colbert’s Late Show ending in May |
| Renewal Type | One-year short-term extension |
What Led to Kimmel’s Suspension?
In September, ABC executives abruptly suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! and pulled the show from the air. The decision followed a monologue in which Kimmel commented on the identity and ideology of Charlie Kirk’s assassin, triggering a response from President Trump and FCC officials.
Within hours, Trump criticized Kimmel publicly, labeling him “incompetent” and “biased,” while conservative circles called for his firing.
In a later interview with Stephen Colbert, Kimmel described how the suspension unfolded:
“It was about 3:00. We tape our show at 4:30. I get a call from ABC — they say they want to talk to me. I end up taking the call in the bathroom, and they tell me they’re pulling the show for the night to ‘take the temperature down.’”
The suspension lasted only three days, but the impact was immediate. Fans organized online campaigns demanding his return, while major Hollywood figures voiced their support.
Entertainment journalist Rebecca Ellis explains:
“The swift backlash to ABC’s decision showed that Kimmel’s audience isn’t just loyal — they’re active. They helped force ABC’s hand, and that kind of engagement is rare in late-night TV today.”
Trump’s Response and Renewed Attacks
After Kimmel returned to the air, the feud reignited. In November, Trump again targeted the comedian on social media following a segment about the Epstein files and Washington politics.
Trump wrote that Kimmel had “NO TALENT” and “VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS,” remarks that quickly went viral.
Rather than back down, Kimmel responded with characteristic wit on-air, saying,
“I want to thank the former President for being such a dedicated viewer. It’s comforting to know I’m on his DVR — right between Hannity and Fox & Friends.”
Despite the tension, Jimmy Kimmel Live! saw another ratings bump that week, confirming that controversy, in Kimmel’s case, continues to drive curiosity and viewership.
ABC’s Decision: A Short but Strategic Renewal
ABC’s decision to extend Kimmel’s contract through the 2026–2027 season was not guaranteed. Insiders suggested the network was considering allowing his contract to expire alongside CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which ends in May 2026, following a lawsuit settlement involving Trump and CBS.
But the data told a different story.
| Factor | Impact on ABC’s Decision |
|---|---|
| Ratings Surge Post-Suspension | Viewership rose 18% during Kimmel’s first week back |
| Social Media Engagement | Kimmel clips trended #1 on YouTube and X (Twitter) |
| Advertising Revenue | Sponsors renewed based on strong demographic performance |
| Competitor Exit | Colbert’s departure leaves ABC room to dominate late-night |
Network executive Laura Bennett commented:
“Jimmy has been the heart of our late-night lineup for two decades. His voice is bold, his humour sharp, and his connection to viewers remains strong. This extension ensures Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues to be a defining part of ABC’s brand.”
The Broader Late-Night Shake-Up
The late-night landscape is changing rapidly. CBS’s decision to end Colbert’s Late Show in 2026 signals a potential shift away from politically charged comedy. Meanwhile, NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon has leaned toward lighter entertainment and celebrity-driven humor.
By renewing Kimmel, ABC appears committed to maintaining a politically aware and culturally engaged format, rather than softening its tone.
Media scholar Dr. Daniel Cruz observes:
“Kimmel’s continued presence represents ABC’s refusal to retreat from political comedy, even when it sparks backlash. The renewal shows that controversy can coexist with commercial success.”
Payment Details: Overview
| Contract Term | Extension Period | Estimated Annual Value | Showrunner Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Kimmel | 2026–2027 Season | Estimated $15–20 million per year | Co-production with Kimmelot and ABC Studios |
Kimmel’s one-year renewal leaves room for future negotiations, likely giving both parties flexibility based on the political climate and viewership trends heading into 2027.
Why ABC’s Decision Matters?
The renewal signals confidence not just in Kimmel, but in late-night’s enduring relevance. With traditional TV audiences shrinking, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains one of the few shows consistently generating viral moments across platforms.
The show’s YouTube clips regularly exceed 5 million views, while Kimmel’s monologues often spark national debates, keeping ABC relevant in the streaming age.
Pop culture critic Maya Richardson notes:
“Jimmy Kimmel has evolved from a late-night comedian into a national commentator. Whether viewers agree or not, they tune in — and that’s the essence of staying power in 2025.”
Recent Updates and Future Outlook
With the new deal signed, Jimmy Kimmel Live! will continue through the 2026–2027 television season, marking its 25th year on air. ABC plans to leverage the milestone with special anniversary episodes and retrospectives celebrating Kimmel’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Trump’s reemergence in political discourse virtually guarantees the ongoing feud will stay in headlines. Insiders suggest that Kimmel’s writing team is already preparing for the 2026 election cycle, ensuring his show remains at the centre of late-night political commentary.
Why It Matters?
Kimmel’s renewal reflects a broader media reality: audiences still crave authentic, opinionated voices. While the controversies are polarizing, they also keep late-night TV culturally relevant in an era of fragmented streaming options.
As one Hollywood producer put it:
“You can’t please everyone in 2025 — but you can’t afford to be forgettable either. Kimmel is anything but forgettable.”
FAQs
Yes, the network extended Jimmy Kimmel’s contract through the 2026–2027 season.
He was briefly suspended following remarks about a controversial political topic that drew backlash from President Trump and FCC officials.
No. In fact, Jimmy Kimmel Live! saw a significant ratings increase after Kimmel returned to the air.
Jimmy Kimmel has been the host since 2003, making him one of the longest-running hosts in late-night history.
Trump criticised Kimmel publicly on social media, reigniting their long-running feud.
ABC has not confirmed plans beyond 2027, but negotiations are expected before his contract ends.
