Jimmy Kimmel has not been fired, and his show has not been cancelled. ABC has publicly denied reports claiming Jimmy Kimmel Live! will end, calling them “inaccurate” and “purely speculative”. As of September 2026, Kimmel and ABC are in active negotiations to renew his contract beyond the current season.
The “jimmy kimmel fired” rumors gained traction after Page Six published a report on September 8, 2026, citing an unnamed source who claimed Kimmel’s contract “is not getting extended”. The report suggested the show’s 24th season would be its last, ending in May 2027. ABC Entertainment responded swiftly, telling multiple outlets that any reports about the show’s future are speculative.
The confusion stems partly from Kimmel’s unusual contract structure. Unlike many late-night hosts who sign multi-year deals, Kimmel moved to a one-year contract in 2025 after previously signing three-year agreements. This shorter arrangement means his future is discussed annually, creating fertile ground for speculation each cycle.
The Political Firestorm Behind the Rumors
Kimmel’s turbulent relationship with the Trump administration has fueled persistent firing rumors. In September 2025, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! for six days after comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During his monologue, Kimmel said the “MAGA Gang” was trying to score political points from Kirk’s death. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened action against ABC, and some affiliates refused to air the show.
Kimmel returned after what Disney described as “thoughtful conversations” with the host. The suspension drew backlash from political figures, celebrities, and industry unions, who viewed it as government pressure on free speech.
The conflict escalated again in April 2026. During a parody State of the Union address, Kimmel joked that First Lady Melania Trump had a “glow like an expectant widow”. The remark came days before a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, demanding Kimmel be “immediately fired by Disney and ABC” for what he called a “despicable call to violence”.
ABC stood by Kimmel. The network did not fire him, despite the president’s direct demand.
Why ABC Is Fighting Back
The FCC ordered an early review of broadcast licenses for Disney’s eight owned-and-operated ABC stations in April 2026, a move that had not occurred in more than 50 years. The licenses were not scheduled for renewal until October 2028.
Disney and ABC sued the FCC in August 2026, alleging the agency was engaged in a “retaliatory campaign” against the network for its programming. The lawsuit described the FCC’s actions as an “extraordinary assault on free speech”. ABC argued the administration “disapproves of what ABC broadcasts” and was using regulatory power to punish editorial decisions.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr defended the review as a matter of public interest obligations, not retaliation. The case remains pending in federal court, with a hearing scheduled for October 6.Quick Bio: Jimmy Kimmel
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jimmy Christian Kimmel |
| Age | 58 years old (born November 13, 1967) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Television host, comedian, writer, producer |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Education | Ed W. Clark High School (1985); attended University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Arizona State University (did not graduate) |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Notable Works | Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003–present), The Man Show, Win Ben Stein’s Money, Crank Yankers |
| Awards | Emmy Award for Best Game Show Host (1999); hosted Academy Awards four times |
| Net Worth | Estimated at approximately $50 million (as of 2025) |
| Spouse | Molly McNearney (married 2013); previously married to Gina Maddy (1988–2002) |
| Social Media | Active on X, Instagram, and YouTube |
What’s Actually Happening with Kimmel’s Contract
Despite the firing rumors, Variety reported in September 2026 that Kimmel and ABC are in negotiations for a new deal. Puck and Deadline separately confirmed the talks are ongoing. Neither Disney nor Kimmel’s representatives have commented publicly on the discussions.
The economic reality of late-night television complicates any renewal. Total late-night TV ad spending fell from $519.7 million in 2017** to just **$209 million in 2025, according to ad-tracking firm Guideline. Jimmy Kimmel Live! accounted for $51.1 million of that spending in 2024, representing 21% of the category.
ABC reportedly wants budget cuts for the show to remain financially viable, as it costs as much as $100 million to produce. For comparison, Stephen Colbert’s Late Show carried a similar price tag before CBS cancelled it in 2025.
How This Compares to Other Late-Night Shakeups
Kimmel’s situation mirrors a broader disruption in late-night television. CBS ended The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2025, one year after Colbert settled a lawsuit with Trump. That cancellation came just before the FCC approved Paramount’s merger with Skydance. The pattern has raised concerns that political pressure is reshaping late-night programming.
Unlike Colbert, however, Kimmel has ABC’s public backing. The network’s lawsuit against the FCC signals a willingness to fight rather than capitulate. Whether that stance holds through contract negotiations remains the central question.
What Happens Next
Kimmel’s current contract runs through May 2027. The renewal talks will determine whether he continues beyond that date or exits after 24 seasons. ABC has not announced any decision, and Kimmel himself has not indicated he plans to leave.
For now, the “jimmy kimmel fired” claims are premature. ABC denies them, negotiations continue, and the show remains on the air. The real story is not a firing but a contract negotiation shaped by political pressure, economic decline in late-night television, and a network willing to sue the federal government over its programming choices.Has Jimmy Kimmel been fired?
No. ABC has publicly denied reports that Jimmy Kimmel has been fired or that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is ending. An ABC Entertainment spokesperson called the claims “inaccurate” and said any reports about the show’s future are “purely speculative”.
Is Jimmy Kimmel Live! being canceled?
ABC has not announced a cancellation. The rumor originated from a Page Six report on September 8, 2026, citing an unnamed source who claimed Kimmel’s contract would not be extended. ABC immediately disputed that report, and subsequent reporting from Variety, Puck, and Deadline confirmed that Kimmel and ABC are actually in negotiations to renew his deal.
Why does Kimmel keep facing firing rumors?
Kimmel has been a frequent target of political pressure. In September 2025, ABC briefly suspended his show for six days over comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. In April 2026, President Donald Trump called for Kimmel’s firing after a joke about Melania Trump, and the FCC ordered an early review of Disney’s ABC station licenses the following day. ABC did not fire Kimmel in either instance.
What is happening with Kimmel’s contract right now?
Kimmel’s current contract runs through May 2027. He moved to a one-year contract in 2025, which means his future is renegotiated annually. As of September 2026, renewal talks are ongoing, though ABC reportedly wants budget cuts for the show.
Is there a lawsuit connected to this situation?
Yes. Disney and ABC sued the FCC in August 2026 over the agency’s early license review, calling it an “extraordinary assault on free speech” and a retaliatory campaign. The FCC has asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and that the review stems from an investigation into employment practices, not programming. A hearing is scheduled for October 2026.
