ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! Faces Uncertain Future Amid Ratings Decline
Jimmy Kimmel's future at ABC is uncertain due to declining late-night ratings and budget concerns. According to Dana Walden, president and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Company, Kimmel's contract will not be renewed beyond May 2027.
The network has seen a drop in viewership for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, despite the show's increased ratings relative to its smaller audience. In an attempt to make sense of the business while honoring their partnership with Kimmel, Disney is working on a renewal plan that would reduce the show's budget by 20%.
Kimmel has been open about his disagreements with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who pulled his show off the air for five days in September 2025 after a joke about Charlie Kirk. The comedian has also accused Carr of censoring an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Kimmel's current week-long taping session in Brooklyn features guests like Howard Stern and Sen. Bernie Sanders.