Los Angeles, September 18, 2025 – Senior executives at The Walt Disney Company have initiated high-level discussions with late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel to evaluate the future trajectory of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the long-running ABC talk show, according to a report by Bloomberg News. The meeting, which took place recently, signals a pivotal moment for the program as Disney navigates a rapidly shifting media landscape marked by declining traditional television viewership, the rise of streaming platforms, and evolving audience preferences. While no definitive decisions have been announced, the talks underscore Disney’s broader strategic efforts to adapt its television portfolio to remain competitive in an era dominated by digital content consumption.
Background: The Legacy of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Since its debut on January 26, 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a cornerstone of ABC’s late-night programming, airing in the 11:35 p.m. ET slot following the network’s local news broadcasts. Hosted by comedian and television personality Jimmy Kimmel, the show has built a loyal audience through a blend of celebrity interviews, comedic sketches, musical performances, and Kimmel’s signature irreverent humor. Over its more than two-decade run, the program has become a cultural touchstone, known for viral segments like “Mean Tweets,” where celebrities read humorous insults posted about them on social media, and “Celebrities Read Texts from Their Moms,” which showcases relatable, lighthearted exchanges.
Kimmel, now 57, has grown into one of America’s most recognizable late-night hosts, often compared to predecessors like David Letterman and Johnny Carson. His ability to balance sharp political commentary with accessible humor has earned him both critical acclaim and occasional controversy. The show has also served as a platform for Kimmel to address personal and societal issues, such as his emotional monologues about his son’s heart condition and healthcare policy, which resonated deeply with viewers.
Despite its success, Jimmy Kimmel Live! operates in a challenging environment for traditional late-night television. The genre, once a dominant force in American entertainment, has faced declining ratings across the board as audiences increasingly turn to streaming services, social media, and on-demand content for their entertainment. Competitors like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS have also grappled with these trends, prompting networks to rethink the format and relevance of late-night talk shows.
The Meeting: A Strategic Pivot for Disney?
According to Bloomberg News, the meeting between Kimmel and Disney executives included key figures from the company’s entertainment division, though specific names were not disclosed. The discussions reportedly focused on assessing the current state of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and exploring potential paths forward, including whether the show should continue in its current format, undergo significant changes, or potentially wind down in the coming years. Neither Disney nor Kimmel’s representatives have publicly commented on the specifics of the meeting, leaving room for speculation about the motivations and outcomes.
The timing of the talks is significant. Disney, like other media conglomerates, is under pressure to optimize its portfolio amid a rapidly evolving industry. The company has made substantial investments in its streaming platform, Disney+, which has become a central pillar of its growth strategy. Meanwhile, traditional broadcast television, including ABC, has seen declining advertising revenue and viewership as cord-cutting accelerates. According to Nielsen data, overall TV viewership in the United States has dropped by more than 20% over the past decade, with younger audiences particularly gravitating toward digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix.
For Jimmy Kimmel Live!, these trends present both challenges and opportunities. The show remains a reliable performer for ABC, averaging around 1.5 million viewers per episode in the 2024-2025 season, according to preliminary Nielsen ratings. However, this figure pales in comparison to the audiences commanded by late-night shows in their heyday. For context, Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show regularly drew upwards of 10 million viewers per night in the 1980s. Kimmel’s show has also benefited from a strong digital presence, with clips from the program frequently going viral on platforms like YouTube, where the Jimmy Kimmel Live! channel has amassed over 19 million subscribers and billions of views.
The meeting with Disney executives likely reflects a broader effort to align the show with the company’s strategic priorities. One possibility is that Disney is exploring ways to integrate Jimmy Kimmel Live! more closely with its streaming ecosystem. For example, the company could produce exclusive content for Disney+ featuring Kimmel, such as special episodes, behind-the-scenes segments, or spin-off projects. This approach would mirror strategies employed by competitors, such as CBS’s decision to create exclusive content for Paramount+ based on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Alternatively, Disney may be considering a reformat of the show to appeal to younger audiences, potentially incorporating more digital-first content or experimenting with a shorter runtime to better suit modern viewing habits.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Role and Perspective
At the heart of these discussions is Jimmy Kimmel himself, whose personal and professional trajectory has shaped the show’s identity. Kimmel has been open about the grueling demands of hosting a nightly talk show, which requires producing fresh content five nights a week, 52 weeks a year, with only brief hiatuses. In interviews, he has occasionally hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the show to pursue other creative endeavors or to spend more time with his family. In a 2022 interview with Variety, Kimmel remarked, “I love doing the show, but it’s a young man’s game. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.”
Kimmel’s contract with ABC, which was last renewed in 2019, is reportedly nearing its expiration, adding another layer of complexity to the discussions. The outcome of the meeting could hinge on Kimmel’s willingness to continue in his current role, as well as Disney’s vision for the show’s future. If Kimmel were to step down, Disney would face the challenge of finding a suitable successor—a task that has proven difficult for other networks. For example, NBC’s transition from Jay Leno to Conan O’Brien and later Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show was fraught with controversy and audience backlash.
Alternatively, Kimmel could negotiate a new deal that allows for greater flexibility, such as reducing the number of episodes per week or transitioning to a weekly format, as seen with shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on HBO. Such a move would align with industry trends, as several late-night hosts have scaled back their schedules to accommodate changing viewer habits and personal priorities.
The Broader Context: The Decline of Late-Night Television
The discussions about Jimmy Kimmel Live! come at a time when the late-night television genre is undergoing a profound transformation. Once a cultural juggernaut, late-night talk shows have struggled to maintain relevance in an era where audiences have countless entertainment options at their fingertips. The traditional model of late-night television—built around celebrity interviews, monologues, and live musical performances—was designed for a world where viewers tuned in at a specific time each night. Today, however, most viewers consume late-night content through clips shared on social media or streaming platforms, often days or weeks after the original broadcast.
This shift has forced networks to rethink their approach. NBC, for instance, recently announced that Late Night with Seth Meyers would reduce its weekly episode count to four, citing budget constraints and changing viewer habits. Similarly, CBS has experimented with alternative formats, such as After Midnight, a comedy game show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson that blends traditional late-night elements with a more modern, social media-friendly sensibility.
Disney’s deliberations about Jimmy Kimmel Live! are likely informed by these industry-wide trends. The company must weigh the costs of producing a nightly talk show against its potential to drive viewership and revenue, both on broadcast television and through digital channels. Additionally, Disney must consider the competitive landscape. While Kimmel remains a strong performer, he faces stiff competition from Fallon, Colbert, and newer entrants like Tomlinson, as well as digital-first creators who command massive audiences on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Potential Outcomes and Implications
While the specifics of the Disney-Kimmel meeting remain under wraps, several potential outcomes are worth considering. First, Disney could opt to maintain the status quo, renewing Kimmel’s contract and continuing Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its current format. This approach would preserve the show’s role as a reliable anchor for ABC’s late-night lineup, while allowing Disney to capitalize on Kimmel’s established brand and digital reach.
Alternatively, Disney could push for a significant overhaul of the show, potentially repositioning it to appeal to a younger, more digitally savvy audience. This could involve incorporating more interactive elements, such as live streaming segments or fan-driven content, or experimenting with a hybrid format that blends broadcast and streaming elements. Such a move would align with Disney’s broader strategy of integrating its broadcast and streaming assets to create a cohesive entertainment ecosystem.
A more dramatic possibility is that Disney and Kimmel could mutually agree to wind down Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the coming years, allowing Kimmel to pursue other projects while Disney reallocates resources to other priorities. This scenario would mark the end of an era for ABC, which has relied on Kimmel’s show as a key part of its brand identity since 2003. However, it would also reflect the reality of a media landscape where traditional late-night television is no longer the dominant force it once was.
The implications of these discussions extend beyond Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the broader Walt Disney Company. As one of the world’s largest media conglomerates, Disney is navigating a complex transition from traditional media to a streaming-first future. The company’s investments in Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ have been met with both successes and challenges, as it seeks to compete with rivals like Netflix, Amazon, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The fate of Jimmy Kimmel Live! could serve as a bellwether for Disney’s approach to its broadcast television assets, signaling whether the company will continue to invest in linear TV or shift its focus entirely to digital platforms.
Audience and Industry Reactions
The news of the Disney-Kimmel meeting has sparked speculation among fans and industry observers alike. On social media platforms like X, reactions have ranged from expressions of support for Kimmel to concerns about the future of late-night television. Some users have praised Kimmel’s ability to remain relevant in a crowded media landscape, while others have questioned whether the traditional late-night format can survive in its current form. “Jimmy Kimmel Live is one of the last great late-night shows,” wrote one X user. “Disney better not mess this up.” Another user commented, “Late-night TV is dying. Kimmel should just move to YouTube full-time.”
Industry analysts have also weighed in, noting that Disney’s discussions with Kimmel reflect broader questions about the sustainability of late-night television. “The economics of late-night are tough right now,” said media analyst Laura Martin in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Networks are spending millions to produce shows that fewer people are watching live. The real value is in the digital afterlife—clips, viral moments, and social media engagement. Disney will need to figure out how to maximize that while keeping costs in check.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
As Disney and Kimmel chart the path forward, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain but filled with possibilities. The show’s ability to adapt to changing viewer habits, leverage digital platforms, and maintain its cultural relevance will be critical to its longevity. For Kimmel, the decision may come down to his personal goals and creative ambitions, as well as his willingness to embrace new formats or platforms.
For Disney, the stakes are equally high. The company must balance its commitment to its broadcast television legacy with the need to innovate in a digital-first world. The outcome of these discussions could have ripple effects across the industry, influencing how other networks approach their late-night offerings and shaping the future of a genre that has long been a staple of American entertainment.
As of now, no official announcements have been made, and both Disney and Kimmel’s team have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the meeting. However, the fact that these discussions are taking place suggests that change is on the horizon—whether that means a reinvention of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a graceful exit for its host, or a bold new direction for Disney’s late-night strategy. Whatever the outcome, the legacy of Jimmy Kimmel and his contributions to late-night television will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
