ABC Renews Kimmel Contract Through May 2027

ABC announced on Monday that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has signed a one-year contract extension for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," securing his position on the network through at least May 2027. The deal comes despite public calls from President Donald Trump to remove Kimmel from the air, highlighting ongoing tensions between the comedian's satirical commentary and the administration.

Kimmel's previous multiyear contract was scheduled to expire in May 2026. The extension, agreed upon several months ago, was delayed in announcement out of respect for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose CBS program "The Late Show" will conclude in May 2026 for economic reasons. Despite its status as the top-rated network late-night show, CBS cited financial pressures as the basis for the cancellation.

The renewal follows a turbulent period for Kimmel's program. In September, ABC temporarily suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after Kimmel made comments criticizing President Trump's political movement in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel accused the movement of exploiting the killing, which drew complaints from major ABC affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair, as...