Jimmy Kimmel Sad News

As Jimmy Kimmel gears up to host the Academy Awards for a record-breaking fourth time, he’s also sounding a reflective and somewhat bittersweet note about the future of his iconic late-night show. After more than two decades on the air, the 56-year-old host revealed in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times that Jimmy Kimmel Live! could be nearing its final chapter.

“I think this is my final contract,” Kimmel said candidly. “I hate to even mention it because everyone’s laughing at me now—each time I think that, and then it turns out not to be the case.”

That touch of humor—characteristic of Kimmel—only partly masks the seriousness of his words. After 21 years of nightly monologues, celebrity interviews, and viral comedy bits, the Emmy-winning host seems ready to imagine life beyond late-night television. With a little over two years remaining on his current deal, Kimmel suggested that may be all he has left in the tank.

“That seems pretty good,” he reflected. “That seems like enough.”

For a man who’s become a nightly presence in millions of households, this kind of talk marks a turning point—not just for Kimmel personally, but for late-night television as a whole. His mix of dry wit, emotional sincerity, and social commentary has helped define the genre for a generation. From heartfelt eulogies and political satire to lighthearted pranks like his annual Halloween candy challenge, Kimmel has created a space where humor and humanity regularly intersect.

But after more than two decades, even the most enduring careers require reinvention—or rest. Kimmel admitted he’s uncertain about what comes next, but he’s open to exploring other creative interests. Among them? Cooking, drawing, and sculpture.

“I do like the idea of having free time,” he said. “I know that when I die, if I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by my family, they’re not going to say, ‘Boy, he really worked late hours.’”

This isn’t the first time Kimmel has floated the idea of retirement, but this time, his words feel more grounded in finality. He spoke about the demands of the job—the constant writing, producing, and hosting—and acknowledged the toll it can take.

Fans may struggle to imagine late-night TV without Kimmel. Over the years, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has given us unforgettable interviews, musical acts, and a platform for emerging voices. He’s interviewed everyone from presidents and pop stars to everyday heroes and viral sensations, often blending humor with compassion in ways that set him apart.

His influence also extends beyond the screen. Kimmel has used his platform to speak candidly about healthcare, gun control, and parenting, notably sharing emotional stories about his own son’s heart condition. These moments of vulnerability have made him not just a comedian, but a trusted voice in the national conversation.

Still, the idea of walking away isn’t something he takes lightly. “I know I’m very lucky to have the job I have,” Kimmel acknowledged. “I still love it—but there’s a difference between loving something and knowing when to move on from it.”

Whether or not this truly is his final run, Kimmel’s transparency has added a new dimension to his public persona. In an industry often fueled by reinvention and competition, his willingness to slow down and reflect feels refreshingly human.

If and when Jimmy Kimmel Live! signs off for the last time, it will mark the end of an era. But knowing Kimmel, it won’t be the last we hear from him—just the beginning of a new chapter, possibly filled with food, art, family, and maybe even a little more sleep.

For now, fans will have to savor the time left, tuning in with the quiet knowledge that every joke, every guest, and every goodbye could carry just a little more meaning than before.