Kimmel’s ABC Future Uncertain After Exit Report

Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Sept. 8 after a voluntary two-and-a-half-month summer break, beginning the show’s 24th season; guest hosts filled in during his absence. The return followed a turbulent year that included a brief suspension over remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and criticism from President Donald Trump and conservative activists over Kimmel’s political jokes. Reports said ABC may not renew Kimmel’s contract after the 2026–27 season, with a final episode potentially airing in May 2027, but ABC denied the claim as inaccurate and speculative; sources cited cost-cutting rather than politics as a possible factor. The show is also marking its 4,000th original episode, and its future remains unresolved.