Rumor: Jimmy Kimmel considers leaving late-night TV

Could Jimmy Kimmel have an exit strategy in place? According to a new report, the late-night TV host is considering walking away from his ABC gig in the very near future.

A story from RadarOnline suggests that Kimmel plans to leave late-night TV when his contract with ABC ends in 2025. Sources for the outlet claim that the comedian's priority is to spend more time with his family.

Specifically, the source pointed to Kimmel's son's health condition. The ABC host recently announced his son Billy, 7, underwent a successful third heart surgery.

RadarOnline indicated that both Kimmel and wife Molly McNearney, who serves as head writer, intend to leave late-night TV behind. Kimmel's impressive net worth also makes the decision that much easier.

However, a publicist for Kimmel pushed back against the report. Any idea that Kimmel discussed his future in light of his son's recent procedure was dismissed.

Jimmy Kimmel has a history of flirting with retirement

While Jimmy Kimmel refused to confirm plans to leave late-night TV, it's not the first time such rumors have swirled around the comedian. He hasn't been shy about discussing his future or desire to walk away before it's too late.

A 2019 Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend appearance featured Kimmel contemplating his late-night TV future. He made it clear he doesn't want to do the job forever.

In 2022, he told Howard Stern he wasn't sure if ABC wanted him to stick around. He flirted with the idea of walking away then. But ABC executives have made it clear they want Kimmel around for decades, not just a few more years.

Finally, he brought up the topic again during the 2023 writers' strike. On the Strike Force Five podcast, Kimmel revealed he thought about retirement. "I was very intent on retiring right around the time where the strike started, and now I realize like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s kinda nice to work. You know, when you are working, you think about not working.”

If Kimmel and McNearney did shut down Jimmy Kimmel Live!, they would certainly have plenty of options regarding a next chapter. They've successfully produced, written, and hosted award shows, TV specials, and game shows. Whether it was something new with ABC or at a streamer, the comedy duo wouldn't be out of work for long.

For now, Kimmel will continue to host his show for at least another year. Only Kimmel truly knows what comes next.