Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night program after a two-month hiatus, amid reports that "Jimmy Kimmel Live" is scheduled to end after the 2026-2027 television season. A source told Page Six that Kimmel's contract will not be extended, leading to the show's conclusion in May 2027, after 24 years on air. However, an ABC spokesperson later stated that the information is inaccurate.
Upon his return to the show, Kimmel delivered a monologue that included a politically charged commentary on former President Donald Trump, touching on the war with Iran, gas prices, and inflation. Kimmel remarked that he and Trump had "accomplished nothing all summer long," and accused the former president of trying to prevent voting in the midterms.
The report of the show's potential end comes as ABC is reportedly offering early retirement packages to veteran executives as part of a company-wide restructuring and cost-cutting initiative. The article suggests a shift in Kimmel's on-air persona over the years, from a "sarcastic everyman" to a more "partisan preacher" whose commentary often focuses on criticism of Trump.
This sentiment was echoed by Kimmel's wife and executive producer, Molly McNearney, who previously stated on a podcast that she had lost relationships with relatives who voted for Trump. She described their votes as being against her husband and their family, implying Kimmel's role as a political commentator.
The piece also contrasts Kimmel's approach with that of other late-night hosts, suggesting that while Trump provides ample material for jokes, Democratic politicians are often given a pass. The article references instances such as the appearance of former Congressman Eric Swalwell on the show and critiques of the Biden family's scandals, arguing that these are either ignored or framed to still target Trump.
Kimmel's past remarks regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, where he suggested that unvaccinated individuals who refused the vaccine might not receive hospital beds, are also brought up. The article posits that late-night television has seen a decline in viewership, attributing it partly to changing media landscapes and hosts like Kimmel and Stephen Colbert focusing heavily on political commentary, particularly anti-Trump sentiments.