Overview
- Kimmel acknowledged the deal on Instagram after Bloomberg first reported it, with multiple outlets confirming the one-year extension.
- People familiar with the talks say the agreement was reached over the summer, with the announcement delayed out of respect for Stephen Colbert’s planned exit in May 2026.
- ABC briefly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! in September after Nexstar and Sinclair preempted the show and FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly criticized the monologue and warned of potential remedies.
- Kimmel’s return delivered 6.3 million linear viewers and more than 26 million social views within 24 hours, according to Disney.
- The one-year term departs from typical multi-year talent deals and aligns with Kimmel’s public uncertainty about continuing, keeping the show on air through the 2026–27 season.