Is 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Ending in 2027? ABC Slams 'Inaccurate' Report Ahead of New Season Premiere

ABC has rejected a report that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to end in 2027, calling the claim 'inaccurate' and saying reports about the programme's future are 'purely speculative'.

The denial came just hours before Kimmel returned to the programme for a new season, placing renewed focus on his contract and the long-running late-night show's future.

ABC Disputes Report on Kimmel Show Ending

The dispute began after Page Six reported on Tuesday, 8 September, that Kimmel's contract would not be extended beyond the upcoming season, which is due to run through May 2027. The outlet reported that a source familiar with the situation said: 'His contract is not getting extended.'

ABC Entertainment subsequently rejected the report, telling multiple outlets that the information was inaccurate and that any reports about the show's future were 'purely speculative'.

ABC has not confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will leave the schedule after Kimmel's current deal ends.

What Happens to 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in 2027?

Kimmel signed a one-year contract extension with ABC in December 2025, keeping him on the network through at least May 2027.

While Kimmel's current contract runs through at least May 2027, there has been no public announcement about what will happen afterwards.

Page Six's report indicated that the programme would conclude when the agreement expires, a claim ABC has disputed.

Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, making him one of American television's longest-serving late-night hosts.

The programme has remained on air as the late-night landscape has undergone major changes, including the conclusion of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2026.

Jimmy Kimmel Returns for New Season

The report emerged as Kimmel returned from his summer break, with the 8 September episode also marking the show's 4,000th original episode.

The milestone puts Kimmel in a small group of late-night hosts to reach that figure during a continuous run, alongside Johnny Carson and David Letterman.

The show's schedule lists Andrew Garfield and Joey King as guests for the 8 September episode, with Mariska Hargitay, Kaia Gerber and Gal Gadot among the guests scheduled later in the week.

The programme also featured guest hosts during the summer, including Rosie O'Donnell, Jelly Roll, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz and Colman Domingo.

The Show's Turbulent Period

Kimmel's return also comes after a turbulent period for the programme. He has had a long-running public clash with US President Donald Trump, frequently criticising the president and his policies on air.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Kimmel and called for him to be fired. He also praised ABC's decision to suspend the programme in September 2025 following Kimmel's comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

ABC suspended the programme in September 2025 amid the controversy and backlash over Kimmel's remarks, before announcing its return days later.

Kimmel subsequently signed a contract extension with ABC in December 2025. The latest report does not establish that the previous controversy, or Trump's criticism of Kimmel, is connected to any decision about the show's future.

For now, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains on ABC's schedule, with Kimmel continuing as host under his existing agreement. Whether the network extends that relationship beyond May 2027 remains unknown.