Full Breakdown
Disney’s Uncertainty Over Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Future
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
At Bloomberg’s Screentime conference, Disney president and chief creative officer Dana Walden was asked whether “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will continue on ABC beyond the current contract. Walden declined to give a definitive answer, emphasizing the “very challenging” nature of the late-night daypart, noting that Kimmel’s ratings are rising but only relative to a shrinking broadcast audience, and stressing the limited revenue from the show’s YouTube viewership. She added that Disney is trying to balance business considerations with its partnership with Kimmel.
Background & Context
Jimmy Kimmel has been a fixture on ABC for 24 years. In September 2025 the network briefly suspended the show after Kimmel joked about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting backlash from FCC chair Brendan Carr. The FCC later ordered ABC to submit its broadcast-license renewal applications early in April 2026, after President Donald Trump called for Kimmel’s firing over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump. Cost-cutting pressures have reshaped the late-night landscape, as Conan O’Brien noted the end of a single dominant network show.
Data & Statistics
- Kimmel signed a one-year contract extension in December 2025, extending his tenure through the 2026-27 season.
- Ratings are reported as “up,” but audience size remains modest compared with historic late-night viewership.
- YouTube and on-demand clips attract “millions” of viewers, yet generate only a fraction of the advertising revenue of traditional broadcast.
- ABC labeled a September 2025 Page Six claim that the network would not renew Kimmel’s deal “inaccurate” and “purely speculative.”
Official Statements & Responses
Walden framed the decision as a business calculation: Disney must assess whether a premium talk show can be financially sustainable given limited digital monetization, while also honoring its long-standing relationship with Kimmel. She reiterated personal admiration for the host, describing their friendship and his connections within Disney. ABC’s corporate communications rejected the notion that Kimmel’s contract would end in 2027, calling reports about the show’s future unfounded.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Contract Status: The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the December 2025 extension, whereas the September 2025 Page Six story suggested a non-renewal. ABC’s denial creates a discrepancy between industry speculation and the network’s official stance.
- Future Plans: No concrete timeline has been provided for a final decision on Kimmel’s long-term role, leaving the outcome uncertain beyond the 2026-27 season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s a very challenging daypart, late-night,” — Dana Walden
- “That is not a lucrative opportunity for a very premium talk show,” — Dana Walden
- “I love Jimmy. We have a great friendship,” — Dana Walden
Why It Matters
The uncertainty reflects broader challenges for broadcast networks adapting to fragmented audiences and digital competition. As advertisers favor platforms that deliver measurable returns, legacy late-night programs must justify their high production costs. Disney’s handling may set precedents for how studios negotiate talent contracts and evaluate flagship show profitability.
What’s Next
- The current contract expires in May 2027; Disney and Kimmel are reportedly in negotiations about renewal terms.
- The FCC’s early license-renewal review of ABC, initiated in April 2026, may influence strategic programming decisions.
- Industry observers will watch for any formal announcement from Disney or ABC regarding the show’s status in the months leading up to the contract’s end.