Fact Check: 5 Burning Questions About Why Jimmy Kimmel Was 'Fired'—And His Shocking 2027 Contract

The internet is currently ablaze with rumors that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has been "fired" from his long-running ABC show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a search term that consistently spikes following any major controversy or political joke. As of this December 2025, the short answer is a definitive no, but the truth behind the viral headlines is far more complex, involving a temporary suspension, a major political feud, and a surprising contract extension that secures his place in late-night television for years to come.

The confusion stems from a very real, though brief, period of time in September 2025 when the show was temporarily taken off the air by ABC. This event, which media outlets initially misreported as a cancellation or firing, was a direct result of highly controversial on-air comments made by Kimmel. This article breaks down the facts, the fallout, and the surprising career move that ensures Kimmel is not going anywhere.

Jimmy Kimmel: A Biographical Snapshot and Career Timeline

James Christian "Jimmy" Kimmel is one of the most recognizable figures in American late-night television. His career trajectory is marked by a transition from unconventional radio and comedy show host to a mainstream, politically charged late-night icon.

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• Full Name: James Christian Kimmel
• Date of Birth: November 13, 1967
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Spouse: Gina Maddy (m. 1988; div. 2002), Molly McNearney (m. 2013)
• Children: 4
• Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Attended)
• Early Career: Radio personality, *The Kevin and Bean Show* (KROQ-FM)
• Breakthrough TV: Co-host of *The Man Show* (1999–2003) on Comedy Central.
• Major Career Move: Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* (ABC) since January 26, 2003.
• Notable Hosting Gigs: Primetime Emmy Awards (2012, 2016), Academy Awards (2017, 2018, 2023, 2024), *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire* (2020–present).
• Political Stance: Known for his increasingly liberal political commentary and vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump.

1. Was Jimmy Kimmel Actually Fired by ABC? The Truth Behind the Viral Rumors

The short and most current answer is unequivocally no, Jimmy Kimmel was not fired. However, the persistent rumors are rooted in a very real and dramatic event that occurred in September 2025: a temporary suspension of his show by ABC.

The controversy erupted after Kimmel made comments on his show regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Following the monologue, ABC, which is owned by Disney, announced that *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* would be taken off the air indefinitely. This immediate action led to widespread speculation and headlines suggesting a "cancellation" or "firing," particularly from conservative media outlets and figures who have long called for his removal.

The suspension was brief. Kimmel returned to the air shortly after, and the network clarified that it was a temporary measure, not a permanent dismissal. This incident, combined with years of public feuding with political figures, is the primary source of the "Jimmy Kimmel gets fired" search spike.

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2. The Charlie Kirk Controversy: What Exactly Led to the Suspension?

The suspension of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* on September 22, 2025, was a direct consequence of Kimmel's remarks concerning the death of Charlie Kirk. While the exact language is subject to debate, Kimmel's monologue was highly critical of the political response to the assassination, particularly from the "MAGA gang," which drew immediate and intense backlash.

The comments were deemed too provocative by ABC leadership, leading to the temporary removal of the show. This move was seen by many media analysts as a response to pressure from conservative groups and even figures like FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who had publicly suggested that ABC should punish the late-night comedian.

The controversy became a flashpoint for the debate over free speech, political commentary in late-night television, and the influence of corporate ownership (Disney) on content. Despite the outcry, Kimmel quickly resumed his role, signaling the network's long-term commitment to the host.

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3. The Shocking Contract Extension: Kimmel Stays Through 2027

In a move that completely undercuts any "fired" narrative, Jimmy Kimmel secured a major contract extension with ABC shortly after the September 2025 controversy. This extension ensures that *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* will remain on the air through the end of the 2026-2027 television season, pushing his tenure into 2027.

Kimmel's previous contract was set to expire in May 2026, so the new agreement adds another year to his run. This decision by ABC and Disney to grant an extension, especially following a highly publicized suspension, demonstrates the network's faith in Kimmel's ratings power and his importance as a cornerstone of their late-night programming lineup.

The extension also secures Kimmel's position as the longest-running host in the history of ABC late-night television, solidifying his status alongside other late-night titans like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon.

4. The Trump Factor: Why The 'Fired' Rumor Is Always Trending

A significant driver behind the recurring "Jimmy Kimmel gets fired" narrative is the long-standing, public feud between Kimmel and former President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly and openly called for Kimmel's firing and the cancellation of his show, particularly following monologues where Kimmel delivers sharp political satire and criticism.

This political beef has been ongoing for years, escalating during Kimmel's hosting of the Academy Awards and continuing through the 2024 and 2025 political cycles. The public calls for his dismissal from a high-profile political figure fuel the online echo chambers, leading to frequent and viral misinformation campaigns that perpetuate the "fired" rumor every time Kimmel is involved in a controversy.

5. The Future of Late-Night: What Kimmel’s Extension Means for ABC

Jimmy Kimmel's decision to extend his contract through 2027 has major implications for the competitive landscape of late-night television. It provides stability for ABC, which has invested heavily in Kimmel as its flagship late-night personality.

The late-night wars remain fierce, with Kimmel competing directly with:

• Stephen Colbert (*The Late Show* on CBS)
• Jimmy Fallon (*The Tonight Show* on NBC)
• Seth Meyers (*Late Night* on NBC)

By securing Kimmel, ABC avoids the difficult and expensive process of finding a replacement and maintains a crucial, high-profile platform for political commentary and celebrity interviews. The extension suggests that, despite the occasional controversy and temporary suspension, Kimmel's provocative and popular brand of comedy is still seen as a valuable asset by the Walt Disney Company.

Relevant Entities & Keywords (Topical Authority): *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, ABC Network, Walt Disney Company, Late-Night Television, Contract Extension, Charlie Kirk Assassination, Temporary Suspension, Donald Trump, Political Comedy, Primetime Emmy Awards, Academy Awards Host, Molly McNearney, Hollywood Boulevard, Ratings War, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, *The Man Show*, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Late-Night Wars, 2027 Season, Conservative Activist, Monologue Controversy.