What’s Really Happening With Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Recently, there has been major news involving Jimmy Kimmel and his late-night show, but it’s very different from the claim that he’s ending the program on inauguration day or planning to permanently leave the United States — that part has not been reported by credible outlets.
Here’s what credible reports and news coverage show about the situation:
📺 Temporary Suspension and Return
In September 2025, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! “indefinitely” after remarks he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk led to backlash and some ABC affiliates saying they would not air the show.
Shortly afterward, ABC and Disney reversed course: the network announced the show would return to the air the following Tuesday.
Some individual affiliate stations initially continued to pre-empt the show, but many also restored it in their schedules as discussions with ABC progressed.
📅 Contract and Future Plans
According to recent reporting, Kimmel’s contract was extended through 2027, meaning his show is not scheduled to end in January 2026 as permanent.
📊 Industry Context
Suspension and affiliate pre-emptions reflect broader tensions over on-air commentary and politics, but there is no confirmed announcement from Kimmel or ABC that he plans to retire, end the show on inauguration day, or leave the United States.
Why the Rumor Might Be Circulating
Late-night television has faced turbulence in recent years, with host suspensions, pre-emptions by affiliates, and public debates about political commentary.
In late 2025, Kimmel emotionally reflected on a difficult year during a final show of 2025, which may feed speculation about his future, but that reflective monologue was about the year, not a confirmed exit from television or the country.
Bottom Line
There is no reliable evidence that Jimmy Kimmel has announced the end of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on January 20, 2026 or that he plans to permanently leave the United States. What has been reported is that his show faced a temporary suspension, later returned, and that his contract with ABC was extended into 2027.
How to Read These Headlines
When a public figure like Kimmel attracts controversy, rumors can spread rapidly — especially when they intersect with politics. The current documented situation involves:
A brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! due to backlash over controversial comments.
A return to the air after negotiations between ABC, Disney, and affiliate stations.
An ongoing discussion about the future of the show’s broadcast in some markets.
None of these developments indicate a confirmed plan to cancel the show in January 2026 or that Kimmel intends to relocate abroad.
Conclusion
Jimmy Kimmel’s recent news reflects industry pressures and reactions to on-air commentary, not a declared personal withdrawal from the U.S. or the complete end of his career. As late-night television continues to evolve, changes in format or scheduling are possible — but as of now, the show is set to continue beyond 2026 under his extended contract, and there are no credible reports of him planning to leave the country.