Full Breakdown
Jimmy Kimmel Weighs Retirement as Late-Night Turmoil Deepens
6/4/2026, 11:30:58 AM
Core Event: Kimmel’s Retirement Contemplation After Colbert’s Cancellation
Jimmy Kimmel told Vulture he feels “a little bit defeated” while pondering his future after CBS ended “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” His ABC contract runs to May 2027, and he warned the genre is “not just dying of natural causes. We’re being poisoned,” prompting retirement thoughts.
Background & Context: CBS Axes Colbert, Trump’s Threats, ABC’s Suspension
CBS cancelled Colbert’s show in 2025, citing a $40 million annual loss despite a five-year extension offer in 2023. The decision came as Paramount Global settled a dispute with Donald Trump. Trump used Truth Social to celebrate the cancellation, call Colbert “untalented, nasty, highly overpaid,” and demand Kimmel’s removal after a Melania joke. ABC briefly suspended Kimmel’s program in September over his Charlie Kirk comment, then restored it within a week.
Data
Kimmel says online views plus linear ratings show far more late-night viewers than ever. CBS claims a $40 million yearly loss. Kimmel’s ABC contract ends May 2027 with no renewal talks. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET, featuring Kevin Hart, Draymond Green and Johnny Knoxville.
Official Responses
ABC said it will not fire Kimmel despite Trump’s demand, noting the September suspension responded to a Charlie Kirk comment. CBS framed Colbert’s cancellation as a financial decision, citing the “challenging backdrop.” Kimmel emphasized personal responsibility and expressed a desire for “freedom” to “go fishing,” also citing the right to satirize leaders in his Peabody speech.
Opposition
Trump’s Truth Social posts called Colbert “untalented, nasty, highly overpaid” and warned that “three more limping Late Night Talk Show Hosts … will be next.” He also demanded Kimmel’s firing after the Melania joke.
Conflicts
Kimmel disputes CBS’s $40 million loss claim, calling the figure “made-up.” ABC has not begun renewal talks despite the May 2027 deadline, leaving his retirement timeline unclear. No independent data verify the financial impact of Trump-related threats on ABC.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel a little bit defeated by it,” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “It’s important to me to be responsible,” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “I know I could go out in a blaze of glory and get a lot of applause for it, but it would be a very selfish thing to do.” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “ "We have the right, guaranteed by the Constitution, to criticize and satirize our leaders," he continued.” — Jimmy Kimmel
Future Outlook
ABC’s renewal talks are slated for later in 2026 while “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” continues its nightly run. Kimmel has highlighted “freedom” and “fishing” as personal priorities, hinting at a low-key exit if negotiations stall. Observers will watch how the network balances political pressure, finances, and his retirement decision.
