In a move that has sent shockwaves through the late-night television world and across social media, Jimmy Kimmel has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will conclude its historic run on January 20, 2026 — the same day as the next presidential inauguration — and that he is permanently leaving the United States.
The stunning announcement came during an emotional segment on last night’s episode. The 58-year-old host, who has helmed the ABC late-night staple for more than two decades, addressed his studio audience directly. Gone was the usual sharp monologue and playful banter. Instead, viewers watched a reflective, visibly emotional Kimmel speak with a tone that blended exhaustion, frustration, and unmistakable finality.
“I’ve been doing this show for 23 years,” Kimmel said, his voice steady but his eyes glassy with emotion. “I love this country. I love the people. But right now, I don’t recognize it anymore. The division, the anger, the way politics has poisoned everything… I can’t keep pretending it’s just another day at the desk. I’m leaving the US, and I’m never coming back.”
The studio fell silent. Even longtime viewers, accustomed to Kimmel’s sarcasm and satire, seemed unprepared for the weight of his words.
For over two decades, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a cornerstone of American late-night television. Since its debut in 2003, the show has delivered viral comedy bits, unforgettable celebrity interviews, and cultural moments that shaped the digital age. From “Mean Tweets” to heartfelt monologues about healthcare and family, Kimmel has balanced humor with personal vulnerability in a way few hosts have managed.
But in recent years, his monologues have increasingly taken on a sharper political edge. Kimmel has never shied away from voicing his opinions, especially during contentious election cycles. Following the 2024 election season, he frequently criticized what he described as rising misinformation, growing hostility in political discourse, and a culture of division that he felt was spilling into everyday life.
According to sources close to the production, this decision did not happen overnight. Insiders say Kimmel and his family have been quietly exploring relocation options in Canada and several European countries for months. Conversations reportedly intensified after the most recent election cycle, which Kimmel repeatedly described on air as “exhausting” and “deeply troubling.”
Though he did not specify his destination during the broadcast, he hinted that his next chapter will focus on family, creative projects outside the nightly news cycle, and a quieter life away from what he called “the nonstop political noise.”
The reaction online was immediate and intense. Supporters flooded social media with messages of gratitude, thanking Kimmel for his years of humor and for speaking openly about his concerns. “End of an era,” one user wrote. “Late night won’t be the same.” Others expressed sadness, saying his voice had become a necessary counterbalance during turbulent times.
Critics, however, were quick to respond as well, accusing the host of overreacting or politicizing entertainment. The announcement has further ignited debates about the role of comedians in political commentary and whether late-night television can ever truly separate humor from the national mood.
Industry analysts are already speculating about what this means for ABC and the broader late-night landscape. With Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and others continuing their runs, Kimmel’s departure marks the end of one of the longest-standing tenures in modern late night. Replacing him will not be easy. Few hosts have blended biting satire, emotional transparency, and mainstream appeal quite like he has.
As January 20, 2026 approaches, fans are now preparing for what promises to be a series of farewell episodes filled with celebrity guests, surprise appearances, and likely more candid reflections from Kimmel himself.
Whether seen as a bold statement, a personal necessity, or a controversial exit, one thing is certain: Jimmy Kimmel’s departure will leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. After 23 years behind the desk, countless laughs, and moments that captured both the absurdity and humanity of American life, his final sign-off is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about television events in recent memory.
