ABC Renews Jimmy Kimmel Contract With One-Year Extension

ABC has extended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s contract with a one-year renewal. The extension, which was revealed on Monday, was made as Kimmel’s current multiyear deal is set to expire in May 2026.

The new contract means “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will remain on air until no earlier than May 2027. His past contract renewals have generally been for multiple years.

ABC paused Kimmel’s show in September following controversial comments he made about the murder of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Amid public backlash, the network allowed Kimmel’s return.

Kimmel claimed that “the MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” Station groups Nexstar and Sinclair threatened to drop the show, spurring ABC to pause the program.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that Kimmel might have deceived viewers with his Kirk-related comments, underscoring the need for accurate public discourse. White House officials rejected the notion it had placed any pressure on ABC in regards to Kimmel after speculation of political interference.

In a visit to the UK, Trump claimed Kimmel’s show had been halted due to poor ratings, not the controversy around his comments. Kimmel’s first episode after his suspension had more than 6 million viewers, according to ABC, although it did not maintain that level. Nexstar did not air Kimmel’s show after his reinstatement by ABC, saying it still had concerns over the host’s comments.

In his Sept. 23 return, Kimmel defended his monologue, while acknowledging the topic is sensitive. Kimmel’s humor remained aimed at President Donald Trump, leading the president to post on social media last month calling on ABC to “get the bum off the air.” The social media post came after Kimmel dedicated almost 10 minutes to discussing Trump and the deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

On Sunday, Trump again criticized Kimmel while presiding over the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington. Days ago, Kimmel, who has hosted the Oscars four times, mocked Trump’s polling numbers.

ABC has aired Kimmel’s program since 2003.

Over at CBS, Stephen Colbert’s program will conclude in May 2026. The company is citing substantial financial losses, despite Colbert leading late-night network ratings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report