Jimmy Kimmel signs one-year extension with ABC, continuing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Extension of Kimmel’s show brings relief to fans after suspension and scrutiny

Veteran late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has officially signed a one-year contract extension with ABC, ensuring that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will continue airing through May 2027. 

This renewal comes amid a period of high-profile scrutiny and public debate over comments Kimmel made in September 2025, which led to a brief suspension of the show. 

Despite the controversy, ABC reinstated the program within days, and Kimmel returned to the late-night lineup with strong ratings and renewed viewer interest.

The new deal had reportedly been agreed upon earlier in the year, but the network delayed the announcement in part to coordinate with the planned end of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show in May 2026. 

This strategic timing ensures a smooth transition for ABC’s late-night programming while maintaining stability for Kimmel’s audience.

Since returning from suspension, Kimmel has regained momentum, with his episodes drawing some of the highest ratings the show has seen in years. 

The extension underscores ABC’s confidence in the host, who has been a staple of late-night television since 2003. Over the past two decades, Kimmel has become known for his sharp humour, celebrity interviews, and political commentary, earning a loyal fan base that continues to support him despite occasional controversies.

Industry analysts note that the renewal is a significant vote of confidence for ABC, signalling that the network values consistency and long-term audience engagement in its late-night lineup. 

With this extension, viewers can expect another year of Kimmel’s signature blend of comedy, commentary, and celebrity moments, cementing his place as a key figure in network television.