ABC denies report ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ will end in 2027

ABC is pushing back on a report that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will end when host Jimmy Kimmel’s current contract expires in May 2027.

Page Six reported Sept. 8, 2026, that Kimmel’s contract would not be extended beyond the upcoming season, citing an unnamed source who said, “His contract is not getting extended.” The report said the show would conclude after roughly 24 years on ABC.

ABC disputed the report.

“This information is inaccurate — any reports about the future of the show at this point are purely speculative,” an ABC Entertainment spokesperson told multiple outlets.

Kimmel signed a one-year extension with Disney in December 2025 that keeps him at ABC through May 2027. At the time, Kimmel announced the renewal during “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after his previous deal had been scheduled to expire in 2026.

The uncertainty surrounding Kimmel comes after a turbulent year for the late-night franchise. ABC temporarily suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in September 2025 following comments Kimmel made related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The network returned the show to its schedule six days later, while station groups Sinclair and Nexstar initially continued to preempt it on their ABC affiliates before also restoring the program.

Meanwhile, ABC and Disney are battling with the FCC over the potential renewal of its broadcast licenses for its owned TV stations. Both “Kimmel” and ABC News’ “The View” have been cited as common flashpoints that draw ire from Trump administration officials. 

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