Page Six is told that the next season of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will be the show’s last.
The season begins Tuesday and would conclude in May 2027, bringing the program to an end after 24 years on the air.
“His contract is not getting extended,” a source familiar with the situation explained.
However, a spokesperson for ABC Entertainment said the information was inaccurate and that reports about the show’s future at this point were purely speculative.
Kimmel takes pride in signing year-to-year deals, an arrangement described as rare in the television business.
Those shorter agreements have given the host an unusual amount of flexibility while continuing his long tenure at ABC.
The report comes shortly after Rosie O’Donnell completed a four-night guest hosting run on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Her appearances were a ratings success, adding another notable development ahead of the coming season.
A source said O’Donnell was “in her element” during the run.
She also went viral after mocking her longtime nemesis, President Trump, through a parody of the traditional Irish song “Danny Boy” that she renamed “Donnie Boy.”
Kimmel has fronted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003.
His time on the program has made him one of the longest-running network late-night hosts as the show approaches its reported final season.
Insiders said the expected ending is unlikely to be connected to Kimmel’s antagonistic relationship with the Trump administration.
That assessment comes despite the public conflict that unfolded between Kimmel and Trump earlier this year.
Kimmel became embroiled in a nasty feud with Trump after making a joke about First Lady Melania Trump.
He said she “had a glow like an expectant widow,” with the remark coming days before a third assassination attempt on the president.
Trump, infuriated by the joke, immediately called for ABC to fire Kimmel.
He also criticized the host over comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September 2025, after which Kimmel was temporarily yanked off the air under Disney CEO Bob Iger.
WATCH:
Sources maintained that new Disney boss Josh D’Amaro would not allow politics to sway him.
“He’s not afraid of the administration … Josh isn’t folding,” a television insider said while discussing how D’Amaro would approach the situation.
At the same time, D’Amaro has reportedly been offering early retirement packages to veteran executives.
Those offers have been described as part of restructuring and cost-cutting efforts taking place across the company.
Cost reductions may have been a factor in the reported decision to part ways with Kimmel.
One ABC source insisted “it wouldn’t have anything to do with Trump,” again separating the potential financial considerations from Kimmel’s clashes with the administration.
The report also arrives amid a legal confrontation involving ABC, Disney and the Federal Communications Commission.
ABC and Disney sued the agency the day after O’Donnell’s “Kimmel” debut, accusing it of attacking their free speech by requesting an earlier-than-usual review of ABC’s broadcasting licenses.
The broader late night television landscape is already experiencing significant upheaval.
CBS ended “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May, adding to the tumult surrounding prominent network programs and their veteran hosts.
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Receive The Populist Time’s hard-hitting coverage, direct to your inbox!