Jimmy Kimmel Sad News!

As Jimmy Kimmel prepares to take the stage for a record-breaking fourth time as host of the Academy Awards, he’s also opening up about what might be the closing act of his late-night career. After more than twenty years as the familiar face behind Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 56-year-old comedian and television host revealed in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that his current contract could be his last.

“I think this is my final contract,” Kimmel admitted. “I hate to even bring it up because people always laugh when I say it—and then I end up staying. But this time, it feels different.”

True to form, Kimmel delivered the news with a signature blend of humor and sincerity. But beneath the jokes, his words carried the weight of someone who’s seriously considering stepping away from the relentless grind of nightly television. With just over two years left on his current deal, Kimmel is beginning to imagine life beyond the bright lights and cue cards.

“That seems pretty good,” he said, reflecting on the idea of wrapping up. “That seems like enough.”

It’s a significant shift for a figure who’s become a nightly staple in American living rooms. Since launching in 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has evolved from a scrappy late-night upstart into one of the genre’s defining voices. Known for his mix of dry wit, sharp political commentary, viral comedy sketches, and genuine emotional depth, Kimmel has carved out a space that’s equal parts satire and sincerity.

From his hilarious annual Halloween candy prank to powerful monologues about healthcare, gun violence, and his son’s life-threatening heart condition, Kimmel has blended humor and humanity in a way few hosts have achieved. His platform has been both a stage and a soapbox, offering laughs while tackling serious cultural conversations.

But twenty-one years is a long time. And even the most iconic runs eventually reach their natural conclusion. Kimmel admitted the job’s demands—daily writing, constant filming, and a never-ending production schedule—have taken a toll. While he’s grateful for the career he’s built, he’s also ready to consider what it means to live at a different pace.

“I like the idea of having free time,” he said. “When I die, if I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by the people I love, I doubt any of them will say, ‘He really nailed that Thursday night monologue.’”

Kimmel’s potential exit doesn’t just mark a personal milestone; it could also signal a broader turning point for late-night television. As the landscape shifts with streaming platforms, shortened attention spans, and changing viewer habits, the traditional late-night format is undergoing a transformation. If Kimmel does step down, it will leave a void not easily filled.

His show has not only welcomed A-listers and global leaders, but also highlighted everyday heroes and cultural underdogs. He’s helped launch careers, addressed national tragedies, and entertained millions—all while maintaining an authenticity that made audiences feel like they knew him.

Still, Kimmel isn’t rushing into anything. He’s hinted at exploring other creative passions—drawing, cooking, sculpture—and embracing a life that doesn’t revolve around camera calls and cue sheets. He seems content with the idea that reinvention may lie in simplicity, in stepping away rather than always chasing the next big moment.

“I still love the job,” he said. “But there’s a difference between loving something and knowing it’s time to move on.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates far beyond show business. And while he hasn’t confirmed an exact departure date, his openness about the possibility adds depth to every new episode. Fans may now watch with the awareness that each laugh, each guest, and each monologue might carry the weight of farewell.

Should Jimmy Kimmel Live! end its run in the next couple of years, it won’t just be the end of a show—it’ll be the end of an era. But knowing Kimmel, it won’t be the end of his story. It’ll be the start of something different—maybe less glamorous, certainly less demanding, but no less fulfilling.

And when that final curtain falls, audiences will likely remember him not just as a host, but as a voice who knew how to make us laugh, think, and feel—all in the same breath. For now, fans still have time to enjoy his presence, and perhaps savor these remaining moments with a little more appreciation than before.