Jimmy Kimmel Signs 1-Year Contract Extension for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” amid Donald Trump’s Calls for the Show to End
Jimmy Kimmel Secures One-Year Extension for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Jimmy Kimmel, the well-known late-night host, has officially signed a one-year contract extension for his hit show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, ensuring that the program will continue airing through 2027. This announcement was made public on December 8, 2025, confirming that the show’s run will extend beyond its previously scheduled end in May 2026. The deal was first reported by Bloomberg and later confirmed by multiple news outlets.
This contract extension is particularly notable given the recent controversies surrounding the show. Earlier in 2025, ABC temporarily pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air for six days following Kimmel’s remarks about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The network described Kimmel’s comments as “offensive and insensitive,” leading to a brief hiatus intended to allow for a cooling-off period and to promote respectful dialogue.
Despite this setback, Kimmel’s show returned with strong ratings, even achieving its second-highest viewership in nearly 23 years during the episode following the suspension. Kimmel himself humorously thanked former President Donald Trump for the suspension, joking that it helped boost the show’s ratings.
Political Tensions and Donald Trump’s Criticism
The extension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” comes amid ongoing criticism from Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for the cancellation of the show. Trump, who is 79 years old, has used his social media platform Truth Social to label Kimmel as having “no talent” and “very poor television ratings.” He has also referred to the host as a “bum,” intensifying the public feud between the two figures.
Kimmel, 58, has not shied away from responding to Trump’s attacks, often incorporating jokes and satirical commentary about the former president into his monologues. This back-and-forth has become a defining feature of the late-night show’s recent seasons, drawing both praise and criticism from viewers and political commentators alike.
The contract renewal signals ABC’s confidence in Kimmel’s ability to maintain a loyal audience despite the political controversies. It also underscores the network’s commitment to continuing the show as a staple of late-night entertainment.
The Impact of the Suspension and Kimmel’s Future Plans
The six-day suspension in September 2025 was a significant moment for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and its host. ABC’s decision to pull the show was based on a desire to uphold community standards and promote constructive political discourse. However, the suspension did not dampen the show’s popularity; instead, it seemed to galvanize viewers and increase interest.
Kimmel addressed the suspension directly upon the show’s return, dedicating part of his monologue to paying tribute to Charlie Kirk and his widow, Erika Kirk. His ability to navigate the controversy with a mix of sincerity and humor has been credited with helping to restore the show’s reputation.
Prior to the suspension, Kimmel had hinted that his current contract might be his last. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in February 2024, he mentioned that the three-year deal he signed in 2022 could mark the end of his late-night hosting career. However, the recent extension suggests that Kimmel is willing to continue for at least another year, keeping “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on the air and entertaining audiences nationwide.
Conclusion
Jimmy Kimmel’s one-year contract extension for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” ensures that the popular late-night show will remain a fixture on ABC through 2027, despite ongoing criticism from Donald Trump and a recent suspension. This renewal highlights Kimmel’s resilience and the network’s faith in his ability to engage viewers with a blend of humor and political commentary. Fans of the show can look forward to more episodes filled with Kimmel’s signature wit and insight.
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