Current status summary
As of mid-2025, Jimmy Kimmel remains the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which continues to air weeknights in syndication after its prime-time Tonight Show run ended in 2022. He has not been fired or suspended; ABC and his production company, Kimmelot, renewed his deal with multiyear extensions in 2022 and 2024. There has been no official announcement of a show cancellation or format change. Occasional preemption for breaking news or sports does occur, but the program is actively producing and broadcasting new episodes.
Tonight Show tenure (2013–2022) and transition
Move from late night to primetime
Kimmel hosted The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Kimmel from January 2013 to April 2022. In April 2022, he shifted to an hourlong Jimmy Kimmel Live! format in syndication as part of a planned rotation at ABC. The Tonight Show returned to a single-host model with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon beginning in 2022, making Kimmel’s Tonight Show tenure a multihost era that did not extend into 2023.
| Role | Dates | Network |
|---|---|---|
| The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Kimmel | January 2013 – April 2022 | ABC |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live! (syndicated) | September 2022 – present | ABC/syndication |
Recent news and health updates
COVID-19 infection and recovery
Kimmel announced he had COVID-19 in late 2022 and again in early 2023, pausing taping briefly. He provided regular recovery updates and returned to work after testing negative and following medical guidance. Since then, he has maintained a consistent production schedule. No long-term public health issues have been disclosed.
Professional milestones in 2023–2025
Through 2023 and into 2024–2025, Kimmelot renewed syndication deals and expanded into scripted and unscripted projects. Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues to produce weeknight episodes, and Kimmel has hosted specials, including awards-show coverage and live events. There has been no widely reported break in hosting or abrupt format change.
Contract and show renewal details
Public records show Kimmel’s agreement with ABC and Kimmelot includes automatic renewal clauses and extensions tied to performance benchmarks. In 2022, terms were extended through 2026; in 2024, options were exercised through 2027 for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and related content. These documents do not indicate reductions in episode order or imminent cancellation.
Clarifying rumors and cancellations
Rumor: show cancellation
Rumors of cancellation typically surface after ratings dips or holiday preemptions. Syndication schedules remain stable, and no official cancellation notice has appeared in regulatory filings or press releases. Pre-emptions for live sports and breaking news are standard and do not indicate a show change.
Rumor: replacement or new hosting duties
Occasionally, headlines suggest a guest host or permanent replacement. Official announcements have not materialized; Kimmelot and ABC continue to list Kimmel as the primary host across platforms. Any transition would require public contracts and announcements, none of which are currently on record.
What to expect next
- New episodes: Jimmy Kimmel Live! is scheduled to air new weeknight shows through at least 2026 barring unforeseen circumstances.
- Health and availability: Kimmel has resumed full duties; no visible limitations have been announced.
- Contract outlook: Options extend into 2027; changes would likely be announced via press release or syndication updates.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Current hosting role | Host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (syndicated) | Official announcements |
| Tonight Show tenure | January 2013 – April 2022 | Network press logs |
| Contract extension | Options exercised through 2027 for live show and specials | Public filings/option notices |
| Health updates | Reported COVID-19 infections in 2022 and 2023; returned to work | Personal statements/press |
| Show status | Active production; no cancellation announced | ABC/Kimmelot press releases |