Kimmel Extends One-Year Deal Amid Trump's Push to End Show
Kimmel Extends One-Year Deal Amid Trump's Push to End Show
Jimmy Kimmel inks a one-year extension with ABC, keeping 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on air through 2027 as Trump weighs in on the controversy.
Jimmy Kimmel will stay at ABC for at least another year, with a contract extension that ties the late-night host to the network through May 2027. The deal confirms that 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' will continue as a staple of the network's late-night lineup despite a turbulent period that included controversy, suspensions and a heated public debate over free speech and media independence. The renewal signals ABC’s confidence in the show’s staying power and ratings momentum.
The backstory behind the extension is a roller coaster: a six-day suspension in September 2025 following Kimmel’s remarks about the death of a conservative activist sparked outcry from conservative media, some ABC affiliates, and FCC scrutiny. After a groundswell of public support for free speech and a swift reaffirmation of the program, Kimmel returned to air with a renewed defense of creative expression. His post-return episodes quickly attracted strong viewership, helping the show rebound and deliver solid ratings.
President Donald Trump publicly criticized the decision to keep the program on the air, even celebrating the suspension at one point and at times suggesting he might be involved in future decisions about the show. His comments added a political edge to what is typically entertainment-focused television, illustrating how late-night can become a flashpoint in national conversations.
Industry watchers say the extension underlines a broader negotiation between entertainment, politics, and audience appetite. ABC has framed the renewal as a vote of confidence in Kimmel’s voice and his ability to navigate controversy while keeping a broad audience engaged. With the show slated to run into 2027, viewers will be watching not only for the monologues and guests but also for how Kimmel’s approach to comedy and critique evolves in a charged media landscape.
Cover image source: Donald Trump Slams 'Miserable, Horrible People' in Audience While Hosting Kennedy Center Honors 🔗
