Jimmy Kimmel Secures One-Year Extension with ABC Amid Controversy

Jimmy Kimmel, the host of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has signed a one-year contract extension with Disney’s ABC, ensuring his presence on air until May 2027. This announcement follows a turbulent period for Kimmel, including a brief suspension in September due to comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

According to a report from Bloomberg News, Kimmel shared the news of his contract extension with his staff on a recent Monday. The extension adds significant job security for the 58-year-old host, whose previous contract was set to expire in May 2026. Kimmel and Disney reached an agreement months prior, delaying the announcement out of respect for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose show, The Late Show, is scheduled to conclude in May 2026.

Controversy Surrounding Kimmel’s Comments

Kimmel’s remarks about Kirk ignited a backlash, notably drawing criticism from former President Donald Trump, who referred to Kimmel as “horrible” during a recent ceremony at the Oval Office. Trump remarked, “We have never had a president hosting the awards before,” while expressing his disapproval of various late-night hosts, including Kimmel.

The controversy stemmed from Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, where he suggested that some Republicans attempted to exploit Kirk’s death for political gain. This led to accusations from viewers who believed Kimmel was implicating conservatives in the tragedy. As a result, Disney suspended the show for a few days, prompting discussions among politicians and comedians about the implications of Trump targeting comedic figures.

Kimmel later clarified upon his return to the show that it was never his intention to trivialize the murder of a young man. His comments reflect a broader concern over the intersection of politics and comedy, particularly in the current climate.

Audience Performance and Career Highlights

Despite the recent controversies, Kimmel has experienced a resurgence in viewership. After his suspension was lifted, he attracted an average of 1.9 million viewers per night during the third quarter of 2023, according to Nielsen data. This marked his largest regular audience in late-night television, placing him second among major late-night shows.

Kimmel, who began his career in various radio stations across the country, has been a staple of late-night television since 2003. His connections with Disney extend beyond his nightly show; he has served as an MC at the Oscars and frequently appears at the company’s annual presentations to advertisers. Additionally, he has hosted a reboot of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

In recent years, Kimmel has adjusted his workload, opting to take summers off from the show, making him one of the longest-serving late-night hosts in television history. As he prepares for another year on air, Kimmel’s ability to navigate controversies while maintaining a loyal audience will be closely watched by both fans and critics alike.