What happened to Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC
Jimmy Kimmel Live did not abruptly “pull” from ABC; rather, the nightly talk show concluded its run as a traditional late-night program produced by ABC and began a transition to a hybrid model produced by Amazon Studios in 2023. The show aired its final ABC episode in April 2023, moved to a digital-first and limited broadcast schedule on ABC through 2024, and shifted fully to Amazon Live in 2025. This status change reflects a strategic shift for Kimmel’s franchise rather than a removal by the network.
Key dates and status changes
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 2013 | Jimmy Kimmel Live premiered in its original nightly ABC format | Established Kimmel’s long-form nightly presence on broadcast TV |
| October 2021 | Kimmel renews through 2025; begins collaboration with Amazon Studios | Signals eventual shift from exclusively ABC production |
| April 2023 | Final nightly Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC | End of the nightly ABC run; move toward new production model |
| 2023–2024 | Reduced broadcast schedule on ABC and digital-first specials | Transition period; limited over-the-air presence |
| 2025 | Move to Amazon Live (primarily streaming/event-based) | Full platform shift; Kimmel remains host under Amazon deal |
ABC’s role and continuity
ABC has not “pulled” Kimmel in the sense of canceling or removing him mid-contract; it has wound down exclusive nightly production as part of a broader industry move toward streaming and hybrid distribution. ABC continues to air select specials and reruns under transitional agreements while Kimmel builds his next era on Amazon. For legacy audiences, this means fewer nightly linear episodes on ABC and a pivot to streaming events and highlights on Amazon Prime Video and Freevee.
Jimmy Kimmel’s current hosting status
Jimmy Kimmel remains an active talk host as of 2025 under his multiyear deal with Amazon Studios. The shift to Amazon Live emphasizes live events, streaming, and limited linear windows rather than a nightly monologue format. Existing fans can follow his specials on ABC and new full episodes and original content on Amazon Freevee and Prime Video. Kimmel continues to interview newsmakers, conduct long-form conversations, and produce documentaries under the broader Jimmy Kimmel Live banner.
Industry context and what this means for viewers
The evolution of Jimmy Kimmel Live reflects larger trends in late-night and streaming: networks shortening nightly runs, streamers investing in talk and event formats, and hosts diversifying their distribution. Viewers should expect fewer traditional nightly episodes on ABC and more curated specials, highlights, and long-form interviews on Amazon platforms. Check ABC’s official schedule for any remaining reruns or holiday specials, and follow Jimmy Kimmel’s channels for announcements of live events and new seasons on Amazon Freevee.
Quick comparison: ABC vs Amazon Live formats
- ABC: Limited specials/reruns; no nightly show; reduced linear footprint
- Amazon Live: Streaming-first; periodic live events; full long-form episodes
- Host status: Jimmy Kimmel remains under active deal through at least 2026
- Availability: Freevee (FAST), Prime Video, and selected ABC affiliate markets
Bottom line
ABC did not pull Jimmy Kimmel Live; the nightly program ended its ABC run in 2023 as part of a planned transition to Amazon Studios. The show continues under the Jimmy Kimmel Live banner as a streaming- and event-first series on Amazon Freevee and Prime Video, with select specials on ABC. Kimmel remains host and the franchise is active, just distributed through a different model.