Jimmy Kimmel announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will end on January 20, 2026 — the same day as the next presidential inauguration. He also told viewers he plans to leave the United States permanently. The news immediately stirred conversation across media and social platforms.
During an emotional on-air segment, Kimmel addressed the audience directly. After more than two decades hosting late-night television, he spoke candidly about exhaustion, division, and feeling disconnected from the country he has long discussed through both humor and criticism.
For 23 years, his monologues often mirrored the national mood — sometimes lighthearted, often sharply political. This time, however, the tone felt more personal than punchline-driven.
Kimmel, 58, said he no longer feels at home in the current political and cultural climate. He described rising hostility and a breakdown in civil discourse as factors in his decision.
Although he has not confirmed a destination, reports suggest he has considered relocating to Canada or parts of Europe. Sources indicate the choice followed months of reflection after the 2024 election cycle.
Ending the show on inauguration day adds symbolic weight. Whether intentional or coincidental, the timing marks the close of a television era during a politically charged moment.
Since debuting in 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live!blended celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and pointed commentary. Over time, Kimmel evolved into one of late night’s most outspoken voices during election seasons.
His departure leaves questions about the future of the time slot and late-night television itself. Whether seen as personal, political, or both, his exit signals the end of a chapter that helped shape modern American entertainment.