'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s future in question as show boss speaks out

Disney president Dana Walden is opening up about the "challenges" the talk show is facing

Published October 02, 2026
Jimmy Kimmel Live!s future at risk?
Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s future at risk?

Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s boss has recently shared that the show is going through some "challenging" situation.

Disney's president and chief operating officer Dana Walden is currently trying to figure out the future of Jimmy Kimmel's show as its contract is set to expire in May 2027.

During a recent chat with Bloomberg's Screentime, Dana said, "It's a very challenging daypart, late night.

"That’s not to say that Jimmy is not doing a phenomenal job, and his ratings are up, but they’re up relative to a smaller audience that’s watching late night on broadcast television.”

The company's president admitted that people do watch the show on YouTube on demand but Dana added, "That is not a lucrative opportunity for a very premium talk show."

"So," the executive noted, "We’re trying to make sense of the business while also honouring a deep partnership."

Moreover, Dana expressed her love and support to Jimmy, saying, "I love Jimmy. We have a great friendship. He’s close to a number of the people at Disney, and again, we’re trying to work through it and make sense of both.

"What does Jimmy want? What’s the right thing to do, and what’s the right thing for our business?”

It is pertinent to mention that Jimmy Kimmel Live! began airing back in 2003.

The show faced a brief suspension back in September 2025 after Jimmy's controversial take on the death of right wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Maliha Javed
Maliha Javed is an entertainment journalist with one year of experience, covering celebrity controversies, viral moments, and trending stories. She navigates the fast-paced digital landscape, breaking down complex narratives into clear, engaging reports that keep readers informed and connected to the latest entertainment buzz.