The Shocking Truth: 5 Things That Happened To Jimmy Kimmel After His Show Was Suspended

The question of "what happened to Jimmy Kimmel" has dominated late-night television news, especially following a dramatic and unprecedented turn of events in the latter half of 2025. After decades as a fixture on ABC, the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! faced a career-defining crisis that saw his show pulled off the air "indefinitely." This was not merely a summer break; it was a full-blown network suspension over controversial remarks made during his monologue, leading many to speculate that his illustrious run in late-night was over. The host himself admitted he thought his time was finished, making the subsequent updates all the more shocking and newsworthy. As of this current date in December 2025, the full story of his suspension, emotional return, and major career pivot has finally come into focus.

The situation—a major late-night show being pre-empted—sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the political landscape, where Kimmel has become a prominent voice. His subsequent actions and a surprising contract announcement have cemented his status as a resilient, and often controversial, figure in the competitive world of talk shows. Here is the definitive, updated breakdown of the events that almost ended his career and what came next.

Jimmy Kimmel: Quick Biography and Profile

• Full Name: James Christian Kimmel
• Born: November 13, 1967 (Age 58 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
• Spouse: Molly McNearney (m. 2013)
• Children: Katie Kimmel, Kevin Kimmel (from first marriage); Jane Kimmel, William "Billy" Kimmel (with McNearney)
• Alma Mater: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (attended)
• Career Highlights: Co-host of The Man Show (1999–2004), Host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003–Present), Host of the Academy Awards (multiple times), Host of the Primetime Emmy Awards.
• Current Show Location: El Capitan Entertainment Centre, Hollywood, California.
• Current Network: ABC (The Walt Disney Company)

1. The Shocking Suspension of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*

The most significant event in Kimmel’s recent history was the sudden and dramatic suspension of his flagship show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in September 2025. This was not a scheduled hiatus but an indefinite pre-emption ordered by ABC, the network that has been his home since 2003.

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The Controversial Monologue That Led to the Crisis

The suspension was triggered by comments Kimmel made during his opening monologue in response to a high-profile political assassination. His remarks, which critics immediately slammed as “offensive” and “insensitive,” crossed a line for many viewers and, crucially, for the network executives at ABC.

The backlash was swift and intense. Social media platforms erupted with calls for his firing, and the political divide surrounding the issue deepened the controversy. ABC stated that the show was "pre-empted indefinitely," a phrase that signaled a potential end to the 20-plus-year run of the late-night program.

Kimmel Thought His Career Was Over

Following the network’s decision, Kimmel later confessed in an emotional interview that he genuinely believed his late-night career was finished. The feeling of uncertainty and the public shame of the suspension weighed heavily on the comedian, who had become one of the most powerful voices in late-night television. This period of indefinite leave created a massive vacuum in the late-night landscape, raising questions about the future of political commentary in comedy.

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2. The Emotional Return and Major Contract Extension Through 2027

Against all odds, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was officially reinstated by ABC, returning to air on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Kimmel used his return monologue to address the controversy, stating that he never intended to cause harm and expressing regret for the way his comments were interpreted. The return was a crucial moment for both the host and the network, signaling that the late-night giant was not ready to step down.

Securing His Future Until May 2027

Perhaps the most significant update to "what happened to Jimmy Kimmel" is the news of his major contract extension. Just months after the suspension, Kimmel signed a new one-year renewal with Disney’s ABC Network, securing his role as host through at least May 2027. This renewal was a powerful vote of confidence from the network, especially considering the recent scandal and the intense scrutiny he was under. The previous deal was set to expire in May 2026, making the extension a critical twelve-month addition to his tenure.

The contract extension through 2027 puts Kimmel in a unique position in the late-night ecosystem, especially as questions about the long-term futures of other hosts, such as Stephen Colbert, continue to surface. This move by ABC, a part of The Walt Disney Company, suggests that despite the controversies, Kimmel remains an invaluable asset for his ability to draw viewers and generate topical discussion.

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3. The Unending Political Firestorm and Trump Feud

A central theme of Kimmel's recent career has been his embrace of political commentary, which is both a source of his high ratings and the root of his recent troubles. His ongoing, highly public feud with former President Donald Trump has escalated dramatically and continues to define his show's content and public perception.

The Trump-Kimmel Clash

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was publicly celebrated by Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, who criticized ABC for giving Kimmel his job back. This public spat has turned Kimmel into a lightning rod for political debate. Kimmel, in turn, has consistently used his platform to criticize the former President, even questioning Trump's health, calling him "deeply unwell" and referencing "mystery bruises" and "dementia tests."

Kimmel's political stance has made him one of the most "trending" people in the world, a status he ironically "thanked" Trump for helping him achieve. This continuous, high-stakes clash keeps Kimmel in the headlines, driving topical authority and engagement, even as it invites intense criticism and scrutiny from his detractors.

4. Annual Breaks and Health Updates

Despite the high drama of the suspension and contract renewal, Kimmel's personal life and show schedule also include routine breaks. In July 2025, for instance, Kimmel took his annual break from hosting, which is a common practice for late-night hosts like him. This routine is often mistaken by some viewers as a sign of retirement or a more permanent absence, fueling the "what happened to Jimmy Kimmel" searches.

While Kimmel has been open about his son Billy Kimmel’s congenital heart condition, which he has used his platform to advocate for, there have been no recent, major health updates concerning the host himself. His energy and focus remain on his show, his family, and his ongoing political commentary.

5. The Future of Late-Night Television

Jimmy Kimmel’s recent ordeal and subsequent contract extension through May 2027 have major implications for the entire landscape of late-night television. With the retirement of other long-standing hosts and the shifting media consumption habits of younger audiences, the fate of the 11:35 PM slot is constantly being scrutinized.

Kimmel’s decision to stay, especially after such a tumultuous period, suggests a continued commitment to the traditional format, albeit one that is increasingly defined by intense political engagement. His resilience, coupled with the network's investment in his future, confirms that Jimmy Kimmel remains one of the three pillars of late-night comedy, alongside Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, for the foreseeable future.