Kimmel’s ABC Future Uncertain After Exit Report

Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after a nearly three-month summer break, beginning its 24th season and marking the show’s 4,000th episode. His opening monologue focused on President Donald Trump and criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr over alleged efforts to suppress the program following controversy about Kimmel’s comments on the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The return came amid reports that ABC could end the show after the current season or decline to extend Kimmel’s contract beyond May 2027, although ABC called those reports inaccurate and speculative and said Kimmel remains under contract through 2027. The uncertainty follows tensions involving Trump, the FCC and ABC affiliates, as well as Kimmel’s brief suspension and reinstatement.