ABC Rejects Rumors of Show Ending
ABC has officially denied claims that Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show is ending after the current season. A report surfaced Tuesday via Page Six asserting that the network had no plans to renew the comedian’s contract once it expires in 2027. This claim suggested the current 24th season of the program would be its final one. Representatives for the network labeled the report inaccurate and stated that any speculation regarding the future of the show is baseless.
Jimmy Kimmel has served as the host of the program since 2003. His tenure has been marked by high-profile segments and frequent friction with political figures, specifically President Trump. The recent rumors drew parallels to the conclusion of Stephen Colbert’s long-running program at CBS, which wrapped up earlier this year following his own series of public disagreements with the administration.
History of Conflict and Network Pressure
The tension between Kimmel and the political landscape reached a high point in March 2026. President Trump publicly called for his termination after the comedian performed a parody of the State of the Union address. Kimmel suggested that the first lady, Melania Trump, appeared to have the glow of an expectant widow. The host later stated his joke focused on the age of the president rather than anything more sinister.
Previous instances have seen the network take direct action regarding the program. Last fall, Disney pulled Kimmel from the air following his comments about a fatal shooting involving activist Charlie Kirk. The comedian likened the president’s reaction to the loss of a pet. During that period, production was halted after groups like Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group chose to stop airing the show on their respective ABC affiliates.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Future Outlook
The scrutiny surrounding the show extends into federal regulatory matters. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has consistently targeted ABC in his capacity as a regulator. The commission began a formal review of the network’s broadcast licenses earlier this year. Legal counsel for the network has described these actions as an attempt to enforce censorship rather than a routine oversight process.
Disney remains the primary decision-maker for the network’s late-night lineup. While the official stance from ABC is that the program continues as planned, industry observers note that the climate for late-night comedy has shifted significantly. The ongoing legal pressure from the FCC and the broader political environment ensure that the show remains a subject of intense public and regulatory interest. For now, production continues, and no official changes have been announced by the network or the production team.