Hello, hello, hello…
Jimmy Kimmel isn’t just celebrating a ratings surge—he’s suddenly become the most powerful man in late night.
After Jimmy Kimmel Live! delivered its biggest monthly audience in the show’s 23-year history, insiders tell Naughty But Nice that the veteran host has gone from quietly planning his retirement to being aggressively courted by ABC executives determined to keep him on the air.
“Jimmy was fully prepared to retire when his contract expires in May 2027,” one television insider tells Naughty But Nice. “Now ABC is practically begging him to reconsider.”
Kimmel has publicly joked that CBS deserves the credit after Stephen Colbert’s cancellation sent viewers in his direction. But behind the scenes, sources say the ratings windfall has completely transformed negotiations over his future.
“For the first time in years, Jimmy feels completely empowered,” another insider says. “He’s no longer negotiating from a position of uncertainty. He’s negotiating from strength.”
Not everyone in late night is sharing the good news. Despite expectations that the industry shake-up would boost multiple shows, NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has failed to see a comparable ratings lift.
“Everyone assumed Fallon would benefit too,” a source says. “It never really happened. Viewers found Kimmel, not Jimmy.”
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Now ABC is pulling out all the stops, offering Kimmel more creative freedom, a richer deal, and an even lighter workload in hopes of convincing him to stay.
“Jimmy loves reminding people he was ready to walk away,” the insider adds. “Now the network is the one doing the chasing. After more than two decades, he’s finally got what every star wants—real leverage.”
Whether Kimmel signs a new contract or retires on his own terms, one thing has become clear: he’s no longer worried about his future. ABC is.
Cheers,
Rob Shuter
And remember... if you’re going to be naughty, you’ve got to be nice. 💋
At least Jimmy Fallon does not lecture his audience about politics like Kimmel and Colbert (who pushed the COVID-19 vax). I would rather watch Fallon with Tom Holland and Erling Haaland than the other two. We will see how long his "bump" lasts.