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Jimmy Kimmel discusses possible end to ABC late-night show

From FBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Jimmy Kimmel is contemplating the end of his late-night show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live," as his contract nears its expiration in May 2027.
  • ABC offered a one-year contract renewal last year instead of the usual three, reflecting the "tumultuous" state of late-night television.
  • Kimmel expressed a desire to leave responsibly, avoiding a "blaze of glory," while his producer noted his weariness and uncertainty about his willingness to continue.

Jimmy Kimmel is openly discussing the potential conclusion of his long-running late-night program, "Jimmy Kimmel Live," as his current contract with ABC is set to expire in May 2027. The comedian, who launched the show in 2003, shared in a recent interview that he had previously envisioned ending his tenure when Joe Biden became president, a point in time that has since passed.

Six years ago, I told them I thought I was done when Biden was president.

— Jimmy KimmelRecalling his previous thoughts on when his show might end.

While Kimmel acknowledges that his show remains profitable for ABC, the network's decision last year to offer only a one-year contract extension, deviating from the typical three-year renewals, signals a shift in their approach. Kimmel described the current late-night television landscape as "tumultuous," suggesting this unusual contract offer made sense in the prevailing climate.

Everything is so tumultuous. That seemed to make sense.

— Jimmy KimmelCommenting on the network's decision to offer a shorter contract renewal.

Kimmel indicated that contract negotiations have not yet begun, leaving him in an "unusual position" with one year remaining on his agreement. He expressed a desire to depart responsibly, stating, "It’s important to me to be responsible. I know I could go out in a blaze of glory and get a lot of applause for it, but it would be a very selfish thing to do."

It’s important to me to be responsible. I know I could go out in a blaze of glory and get a lot of applause for it, but it would be a very selfish thing to do.

— Jimmy KimmelExpressing his desire for a responsible exit from his show.

His longtime producer, Erin Irwin, confirmed that Kimmel has "been talking about leaving for a while" and expressed hope the show might continue through the 2028 election, though she harbors doubts about his stamina. Creative partner Adam Carolla theorized that Kimmel's reluctance to leave stems partly from his commitment to the staff, many of whom are loved ones. Kimmel himself joked that the sheer hassle of packing up his office and orchestrating an emotional farewell is a significant deterrent, fearing he might "not keep it together."

He’s been talking about leaving for a while.

— Erin IrwinConfirming Kimmel's long-standing consideration of ending his show.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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