Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Jimmy Kimmel and Disney/ABC opened renewal talks in mid-September to decide whether his show will continue past the 2026–2027 season.
- Reports say ABC has asked for about a 20 percent reduction in the show's operating budget as a condition of any extension, though neither side has confirmed that figure.
- Kimmel moved to one-year contracts in 2025 and his current deal runs through May 2027, a shift networks use to keep options open as late-night economics change.
- Late-night ad spending has fallen sharply in recent years, dropping from roughly $520 million in 2017 to about $209 million in 2025, which has put pressure on high-cost nightly shows.
- The outcome could reshape production choices, staff levels and Kimmel’s role at ABC while also testing how the network manages heightened scrutiny from the White House and the FCC.