Jimmy Kimmel In Talks With Disney To Renew Talk Show

In the past few years, we’ve seen the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show go through various difficult periods, especially in the last few years, as the host has gotten into disputes with President Trump and the FCC on multiple occasions, with the show even being temporarily pulled following the passing of the late Charlie Kirk.

But these issues aren’t the only problem for the show, as the business model of late-night talk shows has changed as the audience shifts from linear to streaming platforms.  We’ve already seen the Stephen Colbert show come to an end on CBS earlier this year and the Seth Meyers show going through major budget cuts, such as removing the live band and reducing the number of shows made each year.

The “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show is also under pressure to reduce its budget from Disney, as the show’s linear ratings continue to decline and the show’s costs have continued to increase, but revenue is declining, especially as many people just watch the highlights on social media.   

Jimmy Kimmel has also said publicly that he doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be able to keep making the show, or whether he wants to continue.   This is one reason Jimmy Kimmel has received only one-year extensions instead of a typical three-year contract.  

Disney has been trying to reduce costs across its television division, with thousands of job cuts and offering executives early retirement options, 

This week, many rumours online suggest the show will end once his current deal expires, but Puck News reports that negotiations have begun between Jimmy Kimmel and Disney.      

Debra O’Connell, chair of Disney Entertainment Television, has reportedly asked that the late-night program make budget cuts to stay on the air, since it reportedly costs $100 million to produce each year. 

While there’s little doubt that Jimmy Kimmel has had many issues with the government and the President, even this week Jimmy interviewed Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on the show, but rather than it air on the ABC channel, it was released on YouTube to avoid more issues with the FCC, which has been threatening the show and network over its choice of guests.  

Personally, I’d be surprised if Jimmy Kimmel doesn’t resign, though I could see some changes, such as a reduction in how many shows are made a year, ie longer breaks for the holidays to save money.  I can’t see Jimmy agreeing to getting rid of some of the on-screen roles, such as sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, the show’s band, Cleto and the Cletones or the announcer, Dicky Barrett.   But could we see a reduction in the production side?  Possibly.  

Ultimately, making “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is expensive, especially for a show format that isn’t as popular as it once was, so it makes sense why Disney would try to trim the show’s costs to keep it going, and Jimmy Kimmel may need to accept some changes to keep the show running another year or so. 

Another big reason why I don’t see Jimmy stepping away is that, if he decides to do that or doesn’t agree to terms with ABC, it would result in President Trump taking credit for the cancellation, as he did with Stephen Colbert. Disney also might not want to be seen as backing down to the FCC during its current ongoing lawsuit over its licensing renewal crisis.  However, once President Trump is no longer in office, I think “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will likely come to an end.

Do you think “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will continue? Let me know on social media!