Walt Disney Co. has confirmed a new multi-year contract with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, securing his show on ABC through May 2027. This announcement comes months after Kimmel faced a brief suspension due to controversial comments regarding GOP activist Charlie Kirk, which attracted significant backlash and criticism from notable figures, including former President Donald Trump.
The agreement was reportedly reached several months ago; however, both parties chose to delay its announcement out of respect for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose show is set to conclude in May 2026. According to a Bloomberg report, the timing of Kimmel’s contract extension was affected by the fallout from his remarks about Kirk, which drew public ire and led to Kimmel’s temporary suspension.
During a monologue on September 15, 2023, Kimmel stated that the “MAGA gang” was attempting to exploit Kirk’s death for political gain. This comment sparked widespread criticism, prompting Disney to suspend the show for several days. Upon returning to the air on September 23, Kimmel addressed the situation, asserting, “it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” His remarks resonated with viewers, with the monologue titled “Jimmy Kimmel is Back” garnering over 23 million views on YouTube, making it the most-watched Kimmel monologue on the platform.
Kimmel’s long-standing presence in late-night television began in 2003, and his ability to attract significant audiences remains notable, especially in a time when late-night shows are facing challenges in retaining younger viewers. As audiences increasingly gravitate towards digital platforms and social media for immediate comedic content, traditional television programming has struggled to maintain relevance. While Kimmel and contemporaries like Jimmy Fallon achieve millions of views online, monetizing these clips has proven inadequate to sustain the high costs associated with large-scale productions.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, Kimmel’s contract extension reflects a commitment by Disney to continue investing in established talent, despite the shifting viewer dynamics in the industry. The decision underscores the network’s recognition of Kimmel’s value and potential to draw audiences amid changing consumption habits.
