Jimmy Kimmel extends deal with ABC for another year

Jimmy Kimmel has struck a deal with Disney to extend his late-night show for another year.

Three months after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was briefly suspended in September, the comedian’s contract will now take the show through May 2027.

Kimmel’s current deal with Disney, the owner of ABC, was set to end in May 2026.

The new extension comes after months of worries about the future of late-night television. Kimmel was yanked off the air “indefinitely” following comments he made on the show about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The cancellation launched a debate over free speech across the country as Kimmel publicly feuded with the FCC as well as President Donald Trump himself.

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After nearly a week-long cancellation, Kimmel made an emotional return to his show with a massively boosted viewership of 6.3 million watching.

In his monologue, the host clarified that it was never his “intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” “If you like me, you like me. If you don’t, you don’t. I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind,” he said, appearing to break down.

He shared that he had sent love to Kirk’s family via social media and asked for compassion. “I meant it. I still do,” he said. “I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone.”

Ahead of Kimmel’s triumphant return, Trump fumed on Truth Social, writing: “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”

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Raging on, he added: “Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.

“He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this.”

In a recent episode, Kimmel jokingly welcomed those watching from the White House, quipping: “And I’ll tell you, it’s viewers like you who keep us on the air — ironically.

“If you’re watching tonight, which I presume you are,” he said, directly addressing Trump. “How about this: I’ll go when you go, OK? We’ll be a team.

“Let’s ride off into the sunset together like Butch Cassidy and the Sun Tan Kid,” he continued, seemingly taking a jab at Trump’s infamous orange skin before delivering the final punch: “And until then, if I may borrow a phrase from you: ‘Quiet, piggy.’”