ABC is expected to part ways with Jimmy Kimmel when his contract expires in May 2027.
The claims come from celebrity gossip columnist Rob Shuter, who wrote that the network is unlikely to renew the late-night host’s contract despite publicly backing him amid the network’s latest controversy.
The development comes as the Federal Communications Commission orders an early review of ABC’s broadcast licence, intensifying scrutiny on The Walt Disney Company-owned network following political backlash over Kimmel’s on-air remarks.
Contract end date shapes strategy
Kimmel remains on air, with Jimmy Kimmel Live! continuing production as scheduled. However, according to Shuter, ABC’s support reflects a short-term holding pattern rather than a long-term endorsement.
Shuter also said the network has no immediate plans to remove Kimmel but is also not expected to pursue an extension beyond his current deal.
Melania and Donald Trump.
FCC review adds pressure
The FCC’s decision to conduct an early licence review follows calls from Donald Trump and Melania Trump for the comedian to be removed.
The criticism concerns a segment in which Kimmel, serving as MC for the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Dinner, joked: “Mrs Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”
Trump called for Kimmel’s dismissal, while Melania urged ABC to “take a stand” against the host.
The controversy escalated in the days surrounding an alleged assassination attempt on the president, adding further political weight to the situation.
Pattern of controversy weighs on network
Shuter goes on to write that the latest incident is being viewed as part of an ongoing pattern rather than an isolated issue.
Kimmel responded to the backlash on air, defending the remark as satire.
“It was obviously … a joke about their age difference,” he said.
“It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he’s almost 80 and she’s younger than I am.”
Kimmel’s future has also been complicated by softer ratings and ongoing affiliate concerns, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The White House has continued its criticism, with Communications Director Steven Cheung describing Kimmel as a “s**t human” for “doubling down on that joke instead of doing the decent thing by apologising”.
Jimmy Kimmel is a shit human being for:
#1. Making a disgusting joke about assassinating the President
#2. Doubling down on that joke instead of doing the decent thing by apologizing
ABC needs to fire him immediately and he should be shunned for the rest of his life. https://t.co/utaB6gQFyb
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) April 28, 2026
According to Shuter, ABC will manage Kimmel through to the end of his contract before making a clean break.
Main image: Jimmy Kimmel