What's happened
Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has been renewed for one year through May 2027, following a recent controversy over comments about Charlie Kirk's death. The renewal is notable for its short duration amid declining late-night ratings and Kimmel's hints at retirement. The move comes after his suspension and strong ratings post-reinstatement.
What's behind the headline?
The short renewal duration signals uncertainty about Kimmel's future, possibly influenced by his own hints at retirement and the declining viability of traditional late-night formats. The controversy over his comments highlights the fragile balance between free speech and political sensitivity in entertainment. The industry is shifting away from long-term commitments, as ratings and ad revenues decline, especially for comedy-driven talk shows. Kimmel's ability to rebound with strong ratings post-controversy demonstrates his resilience, but the overall trend suggests late-night TV is increasingly vulnerable. The political attacks from Trump and others underscore how entertainment and politics are intertwined, often complicating network decisions. Ultimately, this renewal reflects a cautious approach by Disney and ABC, acknowledging the show's importance but also industry headwinds that threaten its long-term stability.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Kimmel's renewal is for just one year, a departure from his typical multi-year deals, amid ongoing political tensions and industry decline. The NY Post highlights that the renewal was delayed out of respect for Stephen Colbert's upcoming exit, and notes Kimmel's recent ratings boost after his suspension. Business Insider UK emphasizes the controversy over Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk, which led to his brief suspension and subsequent reinstatement with higher ratings. AP News confirms the renewal and discusses the broader context of late-night TV's economic challenges, including CBS ending Colbert's show next May due to declining ad revenue and ratings. These sources collectively illustrate industry uncertainty, political pressures, and Kimmel's resilience in a shrinking landscape.
How we got here
Jimmy Kimmel's show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', has faced recent turbulence, including a suspension over comments about Charlie Kirk's death, which sparked political backlash and FCC warnings. Despite this, Kimmel returned to high ratings and secured a one-year extension, diverging from his usual multi-year deals. The late-night landscape is shrinking, with CBS ending Stephen Colbert's show next May due to economic challenges and declining ad revenue, reflecting broader industry struggles.
Go deeper
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