Brief

Disney exec hints at uncertainty over Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC future

Walden declined to confirm renewal while noting challenges for the late‑night slot.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:38:05 GMT

Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden told reporters at a Bloomberg conference on Thursday that the company has not decided whether to extend Jimmy Kimmel’s contract beyond its current term, which runs through the 2026‑27 season.

Walden said she could not make an announcement at that moment, describing the late‑night daypart as “very challenging.” She added that Kimmel’s ratings are up, but only relative to a shrinking broadcast‑TV audience, and that his strong YouTube presence generates only a fraction of the revenue that traditional advertising provides.

Kimmel signed a one‑year extension in December 2025 that keeps "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on air through the 2026‑27 season, and his salary is reported at about $16 million a year. The show returned to production on Sept. 23, 2025, after a temporary suspension following Kimmel’s comments about the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk.

Walden’s comments came less than a month after Page Six reported that the show could end when Kimmel’s deal expires in May 2027, a claim Disney’s entertainment spokesperson called “inaccurate” and “purely speculative.”

When pressed about the financial pressures, Walden said Disney is trying to balance the business realities of a premium talk show with the desire to honor its partnership with Kimmel, noting his friendship with many Disney leaders.

Key facts

Jimmy Kimmel’s contract runs through the 2026‑27 season. (nypost.com)
Kimmel’s salary is reported at about $16 million per year. (nypost.com)
Dana Walden said Disney has not decided on a renewal and called the late‑night slot "very challenging." (nypost.com)
Kimmel’s show returned on Sept. 23, 2025 after a suspension over remarks about Charlie Kirk. (nypost.com)