Jimmy Kimmel and ABC Begin Talks to Renew Late Night Contract
The negotiations come nearly one year after "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was suspended for the host's on-air remarks about Charlie Kirk The post Jimmy Kimmel and ABC Begin Talks to Renew Late Night Contract appeared first on TheWrap .
ABC and Jimmy Kimmel are in discussions to renew Kimmel's late night television show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The renewal comes just one year after the network temporarily halted production due to Kimmel's controversial remarks. "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is set to continue through the 2026-27 television season, but Kimmel and Disney executives are discussing the show's future beyond that period.
The new contract is a one-year deal, marking a departure from the typical three-year agreements for late night programs. This shorter contract length comes amid significant changes in the late night television landscape, including the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and other one-year contract deals. Kimmel faced criticism from the Trump administration and MAGA supporters over his comments about Charlie Kirk, leading to a temporary suspension of the show.
Despite this, Kimmel has continued to criticize the Trump administration and the FCC, even mocking Brendan Carr and the FCC for "yet another attack on free speech." The one-year contract is intended to provide more flexibility for both Kimmel and ABC regarding renewals or cancellations. Sources indicate that Kimmel had previously expressed interest in extending his contract for another season after the current deal ends in May.
However, Disney's chair of Entertainment Television, Debra OConnell, reportedly requested budget cuts for the show due to its high production costs, estimated at around $100 million, similar to Colbert's "The Late Show."
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