Jimmy Kimmel Was Ready To ‘Walk Away.’ What’s Happened At ABC Since The Late Show Ended

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Credit: ABC

Jimmy Kimmel was allegedly considering leaving late-night television when his contract was up, but as the deadline approaches, ABC’s executives do not want to see him go. Jimmy Kimmel Live! is doing big numbers after The Late Show‘s cancellation, and it seems like the host is in a rare late-night position where he has the ability to discuss the terms of his next deal.

While The Tonight Show also saw a boost during this time, it paled in comparison to what was happening with Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Now, Rob Shuter reports that while Kimmel allegedly planned to retire at the expiration of his contract, the network is scrambling to try and ensure that doesn’t happen:

Jimmy was fully prepared to retire when his contract expires in May 2027. Now ABC is practically begging him to reconsider.

I can understand anyone at ABC’s eagerness to lock Jimmy Kimmel down for a new contract. He’s put a spotlight on late-night television, as President Donald Trump publicly bemoaned him for a joke made about his wife Melania. What’s more, The White House office continues to reference him.

That type of relevance drives ratings to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, but it also presents a rare opportunity for the late-night host. Allegedly, Kimmel is now officially in a position where he’s able to be the one with the power at the negotiation table:

For the first time in years, Jimmy feels completely empowered. He’s no longer negotiating from a position of uncertainty. He’s negotiating from strength.

By the sound of this, it appears as though Kimmel is holding all the cards. Of course, he’ll only continue to keep them provided ABC executives feel legitmately convinced he still wants to retire, rather than continue with a lucrative new deal.

According to the report, new deals could involve him having more creative freedom over the show, and then there’s an obvious pay raise that could come his way as well. The 58-year-old has offers coming his way, and is reminding people there’s always a chance he may not accept any of them:

Jimmy loves reminding people he was ready to walk away. Now the network is the one doing the chasing. After more than two decades, he’s finally got what every star wants—real leverage.

Jimmy Kimmel is currently on his annual summer break, so there are other celebrities at the desk as he enjoys his time off. He’ll eventually return to the 2026 TV schedule, but obviously there’s a big question about whether he’ll sign a new contract.

There’s also a legitimate possibility that Jimmy Kimmel Live! ends, with the host having no plans to change his mind about retirement. Retiring before 60 is a dream for many, and while I don’t want to assume, I’m sure Kimmel is doing alright financially. How much money would it take for him to stay? I’m sure it’s a question he’d be interested in answering, assuming all these reports are accurate.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues weeknights on ABC, with the host usually returning sometime in September after Labor Day. We’ll see whether we get an official return date in the coming weeks, or whether contract negotiations affect it in any way.