Jimmy Kimmel Hints at Exit from Late-Night TV as Oscars Hosting Looms

Jimmy Kimmel Hints at Exit from Late-Night TV as Oscars Hosting Looms
As Jimmy Kimmel prepares to host the Academy Awards for the fourth time, he’s quietly hinting that his time on Jimmy Kimmel Live! may be nearing its end.

“This Might Be My Final Contract”
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, the 56-year-old late-night host admitted he’s seriously considering stepping away when his current deal ends.

“I think this is my final contract,” Kimmel said. “I hate to even mention it because everyone’s laughing at me now—each time I think that, and then it turns out not to be the case.”

Kimmel’s comments come as Jimmy Kimmel Live! celebrates its 21st anniversary, prompting a wave of self-reflection.

Two More Years—and Then What?
Kimmel still has a little over two years left on his current contract. But to him, that already feels like enough.

“That seems pretty good,” he said. “That seems like enough.”

As he looks ahead, he admits he’s unsure how he’ll spend his time after the show. He mentioned several interests—cooking, drawing, even sculpture—but nothing is set in stone.

A Personal Turning Point
Kimmel also opened up about how the passing of his grandfather shaped his perspective. Watching his grandfather’s dreams go unfulfilled pushed Kimmel to think deeply about his own path.

“If I’m lucky enough to die on my own terms in my own bed, I know I’ll be thinking, ‘I never got to this, I never got to that,’” he reflected. “I just know it about myself.”

The Oscars: A Moment of Transition?
As Kimmel returns to the Oscars stage, many are watching closely. Could this be his last time as the face of Jimmy Kimmel Live!? His blend of humor and honesty has defined his career, and this year’s awards show may mark a turning point.

What Comes After Late Night?
Kimmel hasn’t shared concrete plans for life after the show, but his honest revelations spark curiosity about the legacy he’ll leave behind. With the Oscars just around the corner, his dual roles—host and possible retiree—add emotional weight to this moment in his storied career.