Jimmy Kimmel gets a three year contract extension from ABC

Jimmy Kimmel has a new contract that will keep him at ABC through a 20th season of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The comedian has reached a new deal with ABC ensuring his late night show airs through its 20th season.

Fans wouldn’t be blamed for having some concern about Kimmel’s future. He has talked openly about how long he planned to continue hosting a late night show. On Conan O’Brien’s podcast he suggested that he wasn’t always happy while making the show. Perhaps his conversation about O’Brien’s 25 year career in late night was enough motivation to sign a new deal with ABC.

More likely, however, is the salary and creative freedom Kimmel gets from ABC as host and executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The network hasn’t always had complete faith in Kimmel but that has certainly changed. There is a reason ABC has called on Kimmel to host the Oscars twice as well as the Emmy Awards.

A 20th season of Jimmy Kimmel Live! would mark an impressive accomplishment for Kimmel. Unlike other late night hosts, Kimmel did not come to ABC with the same comedy background as stand-ups like Jay Leno or David Letterman or a writer like Conan O’Brien. Instead, Kimmel’s time in radio and on Comedy Central was enough to convince ABC to give him a chance in 2003.

Kimmel has proven to be one of the best interviewers in late night. His show was also one of the first to understand the power of viral videos and encouraging viewers to contribute content, exemplified by his Halloween candy prank.

Jimmy Kimmel narrowing the gap between himself and late night legends Jay Leno and David Letterman in terms of longevity. It is a testament to Kimmel’s skills as a comedian and late night host. Clearly ABC agrees and is eager to keep Kimmel around for as long as possible. What do you think of Kimmel’s contract extension? Be sure to let us know in the comments!