Jimmy Kimmel, the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has expressed concern about his future after his long-running late-night talk show eventually comes to an end. On a recent episode of the Politickin’ podcast, Kimmel, who has been a fixture on late-night television for over 20 years, admitted that the thought of what comes next is daunting. He shared that the uncertainty of life after the show is one reason he continues to renew his contracts, despite feeling that his latest two-year deal might be his last. Kimmel reflected on the challenge of finding new opportunities once people have associated him so strongly with late-night hosting.
Kimmel discussed how the late-night television landscape has dramatically changed since he started his show in 2003. He noted that the rise of streaming services and the ability to watch monologues online the next day have reduced the need for live viewing, which could lead to fewer late-night shows on network TV in the future. Kimmel speculated that in the next decade, there might be only one or two late-night shows left, as networks may no longer find them financially viable.
Reflecting on his career, Kimmel revealed that the prospect of stepping away from the show makes him anxious, as he’s unsure what his next move would be. He joked about his various hobbies, like cooking and drawing, but acknowledged that transitioning to a new career path might be difficult. Kimmel, who is a father of four, also mentioned that he’s concerned about how he’ll fill his time once the demanding schedule of hosting a nightly show is no longer part of his life.
Kimmel’s candid remarks underscore the challenges that long-established television personalities face when considering life beyond their signature shows. Despite his worries, Kimmel remains committed to his current role, but his reflections suggest that his time on late-night television may soon come to an end. As he navigates this uncertain period, Kimmel’s thoughts mirror the broader concerns within the industry about the future of traditional TV formats in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
