Page Sixfirst reported that the newest season, which began on Tuesday, will be the last.
“His contract is not getting extended,” an alleged source familiar with the situation told the outlet. If this is true, the show will end in May 2027.
However, a spokesperson for ABC told Page Six that the “information is inaccurate — any reports about the future of the show at this point are purely speculative.”
Kimmel famously signs year-to-year deals. They offer him more flexibility, something that is highly unusual in the late-night space.
While many may speculate that Kimmel’s departure may have something to do with his ongoing feud with Donald Trump, sources claim that Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, isn’t afraid of dealing with the political controversies around Kimmel.
The alleged insiders say letting Kimmel go could be a cost-cutting decision, and “it wouldn’t have anything to do with Trump.” This is the same reasoning that reportedly caused CBS to axe its own politically divisive late-night show, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
A source told TMZ that Kimmel has been pitching podcasts and other shows around Hollywood. They also claim that Kimmel has been openly talking about leaving the show eventually.
Kimmel started the show back in 2003, making him one of the longest-running late-night hosts.