ABC has granted late-night host Jimmy Kimmel a one-year contract extension, thwarting U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire for Kimmel to be removed from the air. Kimmel’s previous multi-year contract was nearing its end in May, but the new extension ensures his presence on television until at least May 2027.
In September, ABC briefly suspended Kimmel’s show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, due to controversial comments made in the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. However, after resuming the show, Kimmel experienced a surge in ratings, despite his continued comedic jabs at the president, prompting Trump to call for his removal from the network.
The decision to extend Kimmel’s contract had been agreed upon by both the host and Disney months ago but was kept under wraps out of consideration for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert. Meanwhile, Colbert’s show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” is set to conclude its decade-long run on CBS in May 2026.
Following backlash for his remarks about Kirk’s death, Kimmel faced criticism and temporary removal from the airwaves by Disney. The Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr, also drew scrutiny for pressuring broadcasters regarding Kimmel’s content, leading to an upcoming Senate hearing on the matter.
Upon returning to the airwaves, Kimmel did not issue an apology but clarified that he did not intend to assign blame to any particular group for Kirk’s tragic death. Kimmel, who has been with ABC since 2003, has hosted numerous prestigious award shows, including the Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards.
While most of Kimmel’s contract renewals have historically been multi-year agreements, the decision to extend his current contract by one year was not immediately attributed to any specific party.
