Disney insiders are reportedly at odds over the future of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night program. According to a Wednesday (October 7) report from the New York Post's Page Six.
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The looming ending of ABC's hit program has exposed the frayed relationship between Kimmel and the network. One source told the outlet that Kimmel has played a role in the fallout because of his unwillingness to "play well in the sandbox."
Kimmel's Looming Contract Decision Exposes Frayed Relationship With ABC
One example the source gave was Kimmel's appearances, or lack thereof, on other hit ABC Shows like Good Morning America and The View. Citing that Kimmel rarely appears on the programs. Because he does not want to be a "shill" for the television giant. The source also added that when Kimmel does appear on the program, he usually isn't pleasant. And behaves like a "complete a**hole."
In addition, the source told the outlet that the network feels like there has been a level of imbalance on Kimmel's part. ABC felt like Kimmel expected them to "prop up" the projects that he was working on. But they never felt like he "reciprocated" that by having ABC talent as guests on his program.
Kimmel's Feud With Trump Added Tension to Relationship
At the ABC Upfronts in May, Kimmel aimed at his bosses at the network. And joked that he had cost the company "billions" of dollars due to his ongoing feud with United States President Donald Trump. This got him pulled from the airwaves in 2025.
"I cost our company a lot of money this year, billions. No employee in the history of any company may have cost their employer more than hiring me 24 years ago," Kimmel said at the time. "Just from a purely mathematical standpoint, it was the worst personnel decision that Disney Corporation has ever made. Not even the captain of the Exxon Valdez did more damage."
He also joked: "For ABC to pull you off the air, you have to throw a chair at your Mormon boyfriend."
One source told Page Six that Kimmel's comments at the upfronts were "uncomfortable," to say the least.
Another source told Page Six that the late-night host felt "unprotected" by the network when he was pulled off the air.
Kimmel is in the final year of his contract with ABC. He is not expected to return. Stay tuned for more updates.
