Disney Has Not Decided Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC Future

Disney has not decided whether Jimmy Kimmel Live! will continue beyond its current contract, which runs through the 2026-27 television season and expires in May 2027. Disney President Dana Walden said October 1 that the company is assessing the show’s financial prospects while considering its relationship with Kimmel. ABC and Kimmel’s representatives are discussing a renewal, but no agreement has been announced. Speaking at Bloomberg Screentime, Walden called late-night television a challenging business. She said the show’s ratings had risen, but against a shrinking broadcast audience, and noted that millions of people watch segments online. Those digital views, she said, do not necessarily provide a lucrative business model for a premium talk show. Walden said Disney was trying to understand the economics and determine what Kimmel wants and what makes sense for the company. The remarks did not amount to a renewal decision. Kimmel’s current deal guarantees the program through the 2026-27 season. ABC has rejected reports that it had already decided not to renew him, describing claims about his departure as inaccurate and speculation.