Disney's ABC Network has secured Jimmy Kimmel's future, as the late-night host has signed a one-year extension through 2027, locking in his spot for at least another two years. The news comes after Kimmel's current contract was set to expire in May 2026.
According to sources close to the deal, Kimmel and Disney struck a new agreement several months ago, but chose not to publicly announce it until now as a sign of respect for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert. However, with CBS announcing that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be ending in May 2026, Kimmel's renewal serves as a timely reminder of the changing television landscape.
Just last year, Kimmel's show was briefly suspended by ABC under pressure from several major affiliate partners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, as well as the Federal Communications Commission. The suspension came after Kimmel made comments criticizing Donald Trump's political movement, which some saw as an attack on conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The move sparked widespread outrage and ignited a national debate over free speech.
Critics at the time argued that the suspension was an example of government pressure on media outlets to self-censor, with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression stating that it was "another media outlet that had withered under government pressure." The group's comments echoed concerns about the erosion of press freedom in the United States.
According to sources close to the deal, Kimmel and Disney struck a new agreement several months ago, but chose not to publicly announce it until now as a sign of respect for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert. However, with CBS announcing that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be ending in May 2026, Kimmel's renewal serves as a timely reminder of the changing television landscape.
Just last year, Kimmel's show was briefly suspended by ABC under pressure from several major affiliate partners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, as well as the Federal Communications Commission. The suspension came after Kimmel made comments criticizing Donald Trump's political movement, which some saw as an attack on conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The move sparked widespread outrage and ignited a national debate over free speech.
Critics at the time argued that the suspension was an example of government pressure on media outlets to self-censor, with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression stating that it was "another media outlet that had withered under government pressure." The group's comments echoed concerns about the erosion of press freedom in the United States.
[ Image of Jimmy Kimmel looking relieved with a clock ticking away behind him ] 
When networks make you sign in for another 2 years... 
Don't @ me, but if they suspend the show again, I'm ghosting my TV 