Jimmy Kimmel Extends Disney Contract by One Year, Now Set to Stay Through May 2027

Jimmy Kimmel has officially extended his contract with ABC, securing his presence on the network through the 2026–2027 season. The renewal comes at a pivotal moment for the late-night host, following a brief network suspension and an unexpected surge in ratings that reinforced his staying power.

According to Bloomberg, the new deal ensures that Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains on air until the conclusion of the 2026–2027 television year, adding one more year to his previous agreement, which was slated to expire in May 2026. With this extension, Disney strengthens one of its most recognizable late-night brands amid an increasingly competitive media landscape.

The extension follows a turbulent period for Kimmel. In September, ABC temporarily suspended the host after his controversial comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked widespread backlash. Despite the setback, Kimmel’s return fueled record-high ratings, driven in large part by his escalating feud with President donald trump.

Disney and Kimmel reportedly finalized the contract months earlier but chose to delay the announcement out of respect for fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose own program, The Late Show, was canceled and is scheduled to conclude in May 2026.

The suspension, though short-lived, drew resistance from major ABC affiliates, including Sinclair and Nexstar. Kimmel later joked about the unpredictability of his career, telling Bloomberg in October, “I often answer that question, and then I do the opposite of what I said. I learned not to say anything anymore because it upsets my staff.”

Speaking with Stephen Colbert, Kimmel admitted that during the uncertainty surrounding the suspension, he believed his time on ABC might have ended for good. “I assumed it was over. I thought I was never coming back on the air,” he said.

The new one-year extension provides flexibility for another possible renewal in 2027, leaving open the question of how long Kimmel will continue his influential late-night tenure.

Kimmel’s return to ABC has been accompanied by robust ratings and a sharpened comedic edge, particularly regarding Donald Trump. Just last month, the President demanded that ABC “get the bum off the air,” a request the network firmly rejected as it reaffirmed Kimmel’s place in its programming lineup.

Currently in its 24th season, Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues to be a cornerstone of ABC’s late-night offerings, backed by Kimmel’s signature mix of political satire, celebrity interviews, and cultural commentary.

Beyond his late-night responsibilities, the comedian also hosts ABC’s revival of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and has previously served as host of the Academy Awards, further solidifying his standing as one of the network’s most versatile and trusted entertainment figures.