Popular Nightshow Host Jimmy Kimmel Closing Down 21-Year-Old Career

Jimmy Kimmel, a late-night television staple, has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years with his show Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Premiering in 2003, Kimmel’s humor and charm helped establish him as a leading figure in the late-night genre, competing against fellow hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon. Over the years, Kimmel’s show has hosted countless A-list celebrities, musicians, and political figures, making it a popular destination for both viewers and guests alike.

Notably, Kimmel often blends political satire with pop culture commentary, which has made his show popular among his audience.

In recent years, however, Kimmel has spoken openly about his thoughts on the future of his career.

While his contract with ABC extends through 2026, the comedian has repeatedly hinted that his time on late-night TV may be drawing to a close.

Kimmel, who has always been transparent with his audience, expressed concerns about stepping away from his show, stating:

“I will have a hard time when it’s over. It worries me, and that’s part of the reason why I keep going,” he said.

Kimmel has been candid about his struggle to follow through with plans for retirement, sharing:

“Each time I think, well, this is going to be my last contract,” he said. “Then I wind up signing another contract.”

This cycle seems to be fueled by Kimmel’s attachment to his work, even as the late-night TV landscape changes dramatically.

With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, traditional late-night shows no longer hold the same influence they once did. There have been numerous examples of cable programs that once were fixtures in terms of pop culture, but now are nonexistent.

Many believe that latenight television is heading this direction, as well.

“Late night isn’t what it used to be in terms of popularity,” Kimmel admitted.

Kimmel’s hesitation to step away from the show is also rooted in the fact that he has spent the majority of his career behind the desk, limiting his opportunities to explore other avenues of entertainment.

As he put it, “People think of you like a late-night talk show host. It’s not like you are suddenly going to start starring in films.” While Kimmel has made a few film cameos as himself, his focus has largely remained on his role as a talk show host, which makes the prospect of transitioning into new fields all the more daunting.

After an extended summer hiatus, during which guest hosts like Martin Short, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman took over the reins, Kimmel returned to his hosting duties on September 2, 2024. His lineup of guests, including Billie Eilish and former congressman Adam Kinzinger, signaled that Kimmel is ready to dive back into the fast-paced world of politics, celebrity interviews, and viral moments​, at least for the time being.

As Kimmel’s current contract carries him through 2026, fans and industry insiders alike are speculating about what might come next for the beloved host. Kimmel himself has admitted that this could finally be his last run — and it seems that he is serious this time — but given his track record of renewing contracts, nothing is certain.

Still, with him openly admitting that he is considering retirement and already putting a date on when his contract will end, it seems that his career — which has spanned more than two decades — could be coming to an end.

If Kimmel were to step down, we have a list of candidates who would be most likely to take over for him on the program. You can view that here.

Who would you like to see replace Jimmy Kimmel when he retires? Let us know in the comments!