As Jimmy Kimmel gets ready to host the Academy Awards for the fourth time, he’s dropping hints that his days leading Jimmy Kimmel Live! might be winding down.
In a chat with the Los Angeles Times, the 56-year-old talk show star shared that his current contract could be his last. “I think this might be it for me,” Kimmel said honestly, knowing people might not take him seriously. “I hate even bringing it up because everyone just laughs—I’ve thought this before, and then it doesn’t happen.”
This year marks 21 years of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and it’s got Kimmel thinking about his run. Even with more than two years left on his deal, he feels okay about it. “I’ve still got over two years to go, and that feels like plenty,” he said with a shrug. “It seems like enough time.”
Looking ahead to life after the show, Kimmel isn’t sure what he’ll do with all that free time. “It might be stuff only I’d notice,” he joked, mentioning hobbies like cooking, drawing, or maybe even trying sculpture. He likes keeping his options open.
Kimmel also got real about his grandfather’s death and how it hit him. Seeing his grandpa miss out on dreams he had made Kimmel think about his own life. “I know when I die—if I’m lucky enough to go out my way, in my own bed—I’ll be like, ‘Man, I never got around to this or that,’” he admitted. “That’s just how I am.”
With the Oscars coming up, the idea that this could be his final contract adds some extra buzz to his fourth time hosting. Kimmel’s great at mixing laughs with heartfelt moments on his show, and this Oscars gig might be a big turning point as he figures out what’s next.
What he’ll do after Jimmy Kimmel Live! is still up in the air, but his straight talk about maybe wrapping up invites fans to think about what he’ll leave behind. As the Academy Awards get closer, Kimmel’s juggling his hosting job and this possible career shift, turning this Oscars night into a special chapter in his long, standout TV career.
For over 20 years, Kimmel has been a late-night staple, turning Jimmy Kimmel Live! into a cultural juggernaut since its debut in 2003. From feuding with Matt Damon to roasting politicians, he’s built a legacy that’s hard to overstate. Yet, this isn’t the first time he’s flirted with leaving—past hints have come and gone, but this feels different. With his contract ticking down to 2025, the clock’s running out, and fans are bracing for an end to an era.
Whether Kimmel walks away or pulls a last-minute twist, one thing’s clear: his next move will be big. Will he trade the spotlight for a simpler life, or is this just a bluff from a master entertainer? Only time will tell, but for now, the TV world is holding its breath.
