After more than two decades at the helm of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night career may have reached its abrupt conclusion — not by his choice, but because of ABC’s decision to suspend the show indefinitely. For a host who’s defined much of the genre in the 21st century, this feels like an unceremonious ending. Yet it may also be the right one.

A Career Halted Midstride

Kimmel’s suspension comes after remarks he made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot earlier this month. In his monologue, Kimmel mocked what he described as MAGA Republicans’ frantic attempts to distance themselves from Kirk’s alleged killer.

The comments struck a nerve. FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly condemned the remarks, suggesting affiliates should reject content that “doesn’t serve the greater good of communities.” Nexstar and Sinclair, two of the country’s largest affiliate owners, pulled the show from their schedules. ABC quickly followed, suspending the program outright.

The result? Kimmel was silenced without the chance to defend his words or clarify his intent — a sharp contrast to how controversies have traditionally been handled in late-night.

The End of an Era

For fans, the suspension feels less like a temporary pause and more like the end of Jimmy Kimmel Live! altogether. ABC hasn’t indicated when, or if, the show will return. And given the political and corporate pressure at play, it’s difficult to imagine the network reversing course.

Kimmel’s contract with ABC runs through 2025, and he has often hinted he was nearing the end of his late-night tenure anyway. But the expectation was that he’d leave on his terms — perhaps with a farewell season or a celebratory sign-off. Instead, ABC’s move has stripped him of that agency.

Why Kimmel Shouldn’t Go Back

Even if ABC reinstates him, Kimmel would be wise to walk away.

Authenticity has always been his calling card. From heartfelt monologues about healthcare to his cutting jabs at politicians, Kimmel built a reputation as someone who spoke his mind. Returning after being sidelined would make it look like he’d bowed to network pressure.

The network’s loyalty has proven fragile. By pulling the show rather than weathering the storm, ABC showed that protecting its corporate image matters more than supporting its star. Going back would only reward that calculation.

The narrative has shifted. If Kimmel comes back, the focus will no longer be on his comedy or legacy, but on ABC’s decision to muzzle him.

In short: he’s better off letting the suspension double as a finale.

A Harsh Truth About Late-Night

Kimmel’s situation underscores a reality his predecessors largely avoided: late-night hosts don’t always control their exits anymore.

Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Conan O’Brien all left on their own schedules, with finales that reflected their careers.

Stephen Colbert, whose Late Show will end in 2026 due to CBS’s corporate restructuring, is facing a similarly forced ending.

Kimmel, despite his longevity, has now joined that list — not because of ratings, but because of political and regulatory pressure.

The power balance has shifted. In an era where conglomerates juggle multibillion-dollar mergers and FCC approvals, even a veteran host’s voice can be silenced if it threatens the bottom line.

What Kimmel Leaves Behind

If this really is the end, Kimmel departs with one of the most distinctive legacies in late-night.

He blended traditional celebrity interviews with political urgency, creating viral monologues that doubled as cultural flashpoints.

He wasn’t afraid of emotional sincerity — whether talking about his son’s health struggles or advocating for gun reform.

He carved out a voice that was sharper and more politically engaged than Fallon’s, but less strident than Colbert’s — a balancing act that made him indispensable to ABC’s lineup.

Yet the end feels unfinished. Rather than a celebratory goodbye, Kimmel’s career seems to have been closed by a corporate calculation.

The Right Move, Even If Forced

Kimmel didn’t get to choose the timing. But leaving now — whether as an official exit or simply by not returning — preserves what he values most: his voice.

By walking away, he avoids the indignity of playing by ABC’s rules after they abandoned him. He leaves on a note of authenticity, even if not on his own terms. And he joins the growing chorus of late-night hosts and cultural figures calling attention to the fragility of free speech in corporate media.

For Kimmel, after 20 years of speaking truth to power, that may be the most fitting legacy of all.