The late-night wars are shifting once again, and one of TV’s longest-running hosts might be looking for the exit. According to a new report, Jimmy Kimmel is quietly preparing for life after Jimmy Kimmel Live! and is determined to step away on his own terms before ABC pulls the plug.

And if the whispers are true, Kimmel already has his next dream gig in mind: trading his midnight monologues for quiz clues on Jeopardy!

Kimmel Wants to Leave Before He’s Forced Out

The rumors come amid a turbulent time for the late-night genre. With Stephen Colbert’s Late Show already canceled at CBS as of May 2026 and network budgets tightening, even marquee hosts are considering backup plans.

“Jimmy is determined to quit late-night before he’s axed,” one insider told The National Enquirer.

For Kimmel, 57, the reasoning is twofold: he wants to spend more time with his family while also ensuring that his next move is a proactive one, not a forced farewell.

Why Jeopardy! Makes Sense

According to the report, Kimmel has zeroed in on one of the most coveted hosting gigs in television: Jeopardy!

The Sony-produced game show is still the reigning champion of syndicated quiz programs, but insiders say its ratings under current host Ken Jennings have slipped compared to the glory years under Alex Trebek. Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest has stepped in at Wheel of Fortune and generated fresh buzz.

“[Sony] needs an answer to Ryan Seacrest,” the source told Enquirer. “At the same time, Jimmy is looking for a job that would leave more time for him to be with his kids — and Jeopardy! is perfect with its twice-a-week taping schedule.”

That production rhythm — with episodes taped in batches — would free up far more personal time than the grind of producing a daily late-night talk show.

Returning to His Roots

While some might see Kimmel as an odd fit for Jeopardy!, the move would actually bring his career full circle.

Long before Jimmy Kimmel Live! debuted in 2003, Kimmel cut his teeth as a game show co-host on Comedy Central’s Win Ben Stein’s Money. The quirky trivia show earned Kimmel an Emmy and showcased his ability to balance humor with intellectual banter — qualities Jeopardy! audiences have long admired.

“Kimmel has ice water in his veins when it comes to live television,” one industry veteran said. “He’s got the wit, the timing, and the experience to slide into that role without missing a beat.”

Why Jennings Could Be Vulnerable

Jennings, the most successful contestant in Jeopardy! history, officially took over hosting duties in late 2023 after sharing the role with Mayim Bialik for nearly two years. While his run has been steady, the show’s Celebrity Jeopardy! spinoff has stumbled in the ratings, and overall viewership has slipped since Trebek’s era.

By comparison, Seacrest’s takeover of Wheel of Fortune has been framed as a triumph — keeping the game show competitive in a streaming-heavy landscape.

“Jeopardy! is still No. 1, but not by much,” the source said. “Ken hasn’t delivered the same magic Trebek had, and Sony may see Kimmel as the star power they need.”

Money Could Seal the Deal

Kimmel currently earns around $15 million annually for hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! But Seacrest reportedly commands nearly $28 million a season for Wheel.

If Sony truly wants to lure Kimmel away from ABC, insiders believe he’ll expect at least parity with Seacrest’s paycheck — if not more.

“He’s not going to take the job just for the nostalgia,” a source explained. “He’ll demand a number that reflects his two decades at the top of late night.”

Family Time Is a Priority

Beyond ratings and money, the biggest factor may be Kimmel’s personal life. Married to writer Molly McNearney with four children, Kimmel has spoken often about wanting more time with his family.

The compressed Jeopardy! schedule would allow him to keep working in front of a national audience while reclaiming weeknights for his kids. “It’s about balance,” one friend said. “He wants to keep hosting but not at the cost of missing his family’s everyday life.”

Contract Clock Is Ticking

Adding fuel to the rumors: Kimmel’s current contract with ABC is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season.

That means the comedian could walk away in 2026 if he chooses not to renew — and line up Jeopardy! as his next act.

“Given the uncertainty in late night, it makes sense for him to have a backup plan,” one producer noted. “Whether he extends with ABC or pivots to Sony, Jimmy wants to be in control of the timing.”

The Bigger Late-Night Shake-Up

Kimmel’s potential exit would mark another major crack in the late-night foundation.

Stephen Colbert’s cancellation at CBS was a shockwave through the industry, showing even the top-rated host wasn’t immune to cuts.

Jimmy Fallon is secure at NBC with a contract through 2028, but NBC has already begun pairing The Tonight Show with Sunday Night Football specials to boost ratings.

Seth Meyers has carved out a niche on Late Night, though his audience is smaller and more politically specific.

If Kimmel were to step down, ABC would be left with a prime slot to fill — and few obvious successors in the current comedy landscape.

Speculation vs. Reality

For now, it’s important to note that this is still speculation. Neither Kimmel nor Sony has confirmed any official discussions, and Jennings continues as Jeopardy!’s host.

Still, the timing, contract expiration, and broader industry context all make the rumors feel plausible. “Jimmy loves hosting, but he also loves winning,” one insider summed up. “If he sees Jeopardy! as the next win, he’ll take it.”

The Bottom Line

Jimmy Kimmel has built a 20-year legacy in late night, but insiders say he’s eyeing his exit strategy — determined to bow out before ABC makes the decision for him. With his contract set to expire and Jeopardy! in need of a star-powered boost, the pieces could align for one of TV’s biggest host swaps in years.

For Ken Jennings, that could mean another round of competition for the podium he fought so hard to secure. For Kimmel, it would mean trading midnight monologues for quiz clues — and, perhaps, the chance to spend more evenings at home.

Whether it happens in 2026 or later, the message is clear: Jimmy Kimmel isn’t planning to wait around to be “axed.” He’s writing his own ending — and maybe his own answer in the form of a new question: Who is Jimmy Kimmel, the next host of Jeopardy!?