Jimmy Kimmel isn’t ready to say goodnight just yet. The late-night veteran has signed a new deal with Disney to continue hosting ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” for at least another year, extending his run through 2027 and offering a glimmer of stability in an increasingly uncertain late-night television landscape.
A Moment of Stability in Turbulent Times
The agreement, confirmed by three people familiar with the matter, comes at a pivotal moment for the late-night format. With CBS ending Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” in May 2026 as Paramount Skydance exits the traditional late-night business entirely, and viewership continuing its steady migration to streaming platforms, Kimmel’s commitment represents one of the few constants remaining in a rapidly evolving media environment.
Kimmel himself announced the renewal with characteristic self-deprecation on Monday afternoon, posting to Instagram: “I am pleased to announce another no-talent year!” The joke belies the significance of the decision. Since January 2003, Kimmel has been a fixture in the wee hours of network television, making him one of the longest-tenured late-night hosts currently on air.
Signed Before the September Controversy
The new deal was actually signed over the summer, according to sources, before a September controversy briefly pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live” off the schedule. Disney temporarily removed the show after complaints from Nexstar and Sinclair, two large owners of ABC affiliate stations, regarding a monologue in which Kimmel discussed the assassination of young Republican figure Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s remarks focused on the broader issues surrounding the murder and the reactions it generated, rather than on Kirk personally, but the incident highlighted the increasingly fraught political environment late-night hosts now navigate.
That Kimmel and Disney had already committed to continuing their partnership before this crisis erupted speaks to the mutual value both parties see in maintaining the show. For Disney, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” remains a reliable source of content, social media buzz, and the kind of live audience that networks and their advertisers still covet, even as overall viewership declines.
One Year at a Time
The decision to sign a one-year extension rather than the typical three-year deal reflects the reality that Kimmel has been contemplating stepping back from his late-night duties. At this stage of his career, with over two decades in the chair, it’s understandable that he might want flexibility rather than a long-term commitment. The shorter deal allows both him and Disney to reassess annually whether continuing makes sense for everyone involved.
The Evolution of Jimmy Kimmel Live
Over those two-plus decades, Kimmel has fundamentally transformed his show. The early days featured rougher humor and a looser atmosphere—audience members could even drink alcohol during tapings. The program gained attention through clever taped segments, from compilations of local news bloopers to the legendary bit featuring comedian Sarah Silverman (then Kimmel’s partner) joking about a relationship with Matt Damon, which became one of late-night’s most memorable recurring gags.
In recent years, Kimmel has increasingly engaged with current events and politics, using his monologues to address serious issues and occasionally sparring with critics on social media. Yet he’s also maintained his reputation as an Everyman among late-night hosts. Unlike contemporaries Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, who came up through “Saturday Night Live” and other high-profile comedy programs, Kimmel’s path ran through radio and Comedy Central shows, giving him a different perspective and connection with audiences.
The Changing Late-Night Landscape
That Everyman quality may be particularly valuable as late-night television faces existential questions about its future. The format’s traditional audience—young people watching at a specific time each night—has largely abandoned appointment viewing in favor of streaming and social media clips. None of the major late-night shows air on Fridays anymore, with Fallon’s “Tonight Show” the last to give up that fifth night. Producers now track YouTube subscriber counts as closely as traditional ratings, acknowledging that the way people consume late-night content has fundamentally changed.
Yet despite these challenges, late-night hosts still generate headlines, create viral moments, and build communities around their shows. Kimmel, Fallon, and Colbert may not command the massive linear audiences their predecessors once did, but they remain culturally relevant in ways that matter to networks, advertisers, and viewers alike.
What This Means for Late-Night’s Future
For fans worried about the future of late-night television, Kimmel’s new deal offers modest reassurance. At least through 2027, one of the format’s most experienced practitioners will continue showing up five nights a week (well, four—nobody does Fridays anymore) to deliver monologues, interview guests, and create the kind of communal viewing experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in our fragmented media landscape.
Whether late-night television can survive in anything resembling its current form remains an open question. But for at least one more year, Jimmy Kimmel will be there to help answer it.
