Was Jimmy Kimmel Live ending?

Jimmy Kimmel was told in the bathroom by ABC that the decision to take the show off the air felt like the end.

Bathroom Call

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned on September 23rd, but a week earlier, ABC abruptly announced the decision to pull the show.

He was working at 3 a.m. when ABC executives called.

Kimmel found a private space and went to the bathroom to answer the call—that’s where the drama unfolded.

—

Immediate Reaction

The audience erupted in cheers as they heard the news, and Kimmel himself laughed, “I was booing too.”

A hint of irritation in his voice: “I don’t think that’s fair.”

A vote was held, and Kimmel lost—in his words, “I put on my pants, went into the office, and told the producers, ‘The show is going away.'”

Ready Audience and Guests

That night, the studio audience was ready to be seated.

Guest chef Christian Petroni was already preparing meatballs and polenta, and Howard Jones had recorded a performance of “Things Can Only Get Better.”

While everyone was waiting on the floor, Kimmel learned the show was being canceled.

—

Monologue Caused the Rumor

All of this began with Kimmel’s September 15th monologue, in which he criticized the murder of Charlie Kirk and the defense of the MAGA group.

He sarcastically commented on Trump’s decision to halve his staff, saying, “They’re in the fourth grief stage—focus on construction.”

ABC decided to ease the tension, so the show was canceled.

Station Upheaval

Nexstar Media again preempted Kimmel from ABC’s 32 affiliate stations with the announcement of a $6.2 billion deal with Tegna. Sinclair also dropped him.

But on September 26, both companies withdrew the preemption after receiving similar feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders.

Hollywood Unity

Now the entire rhythm of Late Night has been shaken—in July, Stephen Colbert’s Late Show is also set to close in May 2026 due to financial reasons.

Hollywood has distanced itself from the Kimmel affair.

More than 400 celebrities signed a letter supporting free speech and Kimmel.

Even Fallon, Meyers, Oliver, Stewart, and The View co-hosts have spoken out.

The Question of the Future

After the show returns, Jimmy Kimmel Live! will air every night at 11:35 pm ET.

It’s on the air on ABC, but its path remains challenging amid constant political pressure and financial decisions.

Kimmel himself said, “At the time, it felt like the end”—but he’s back. Now, it’s not just about ratings, but also about freedom of speech.