ABC Says Kimmel Show Future Speculative as Contract Expiry Looms
ABC Entertainment has denied a report that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will end in 2027, calling it speculative. However, Kimmel's contract is up next May, and the show's high costs are a concern. The network's denial comes amid broader financial pressures in late-night television.
The network's rebuttal follows a report claiming the program would cease in 2027, though the host's current one-year agreement expires next May. The denial comes as operational costs remain a significant financial burden, mirroring the recent cancellation of CBS's *The Late Show* due to similar budget constraints.
Notably, Kimmel's program is positioned to become the most-watched late-night offering following Colbert's exit. The host also faced a brief suspension in September 2025 after remarks about a political shooting suspect drew criticism from regulators and station owners, adding to the pressures surrounding the show's future.
The uncertainty surrounding Kimmel's show could affect the broader late-night landscape, as networks weigh high production costs against shrinking viewership. If the program ends, it may accelerate a shift away from traditional talk formats, impacting jobs for writers, crew, and advertisers. Additionally, the show's political edge could mean its potential departure might alter the tone of late-night comedy, potentially reducing the genre's role as a platform for political commentary.