There are renewed questions about Jimmy Kimmel’s future in late-night television after nearly two decades behind the desk. Since 2003 the ABC show has been a staple of American late-night TV, with celebrity interviews and comedy sketches. But after more than two decades behind the desk, the long-time host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has talked about possibly stepping away from the show, especially as the late-night television landscape continues to change. 

After years of making audiences laugh and sparking political debate, Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night future is facing fresh questions. 

Jimmy Kimmel’s wife Molly McNearney recently weighed in on his possible retirement and said that she would not mind if her husband decided to retire from late night. McNearney, who is co-head writer and executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, acknowledged during an episode of the Armchair Expert that taking a break would be a welcome relief for the household. But she also knows that Kimmel’s voice and his work on the show are important. 

“But as his wife, I really would like him to be able to not do the show anymore so he could relax,” McNearney said, noting that she would like to see him step away from the show so he can finally relax. 

She further said during the Armchair Expert interview that she sees Kimmel torn between wanting to walk away and enjoy a quieter life and feeling a need to keep doing his work. She said that his presence on late-night TV is especially important in the current political climate because the show gives a lot of viewers a sense that their point of view is represented and heard. She further said that she would be happy with either outcome. 

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McNearney's comment come almost 1 year after Kimmel's show was temporarily suspended due to internal issues. 

In September 2025, ABC and Disney temporarily pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! after backlash over reported comments Jimmy Kimmel made about the death of Charlie Kirk. The controversy escalated with pressure from the Federal Communications Commission and some broadcast affiliates, casting doubt on the show's future. Eventually, after talks with Disney executives, ABC returned the show to the air, and Kimmel was back. 

Now, Molly McNearney’s comments have reportedly exposed the personal and professional tensions that exist around a possible exit, even as Kimmel’s future on Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain. It would be a major change for Kimmel and for late night television, especially after the recent suspension and return of the program. At this point, there is no official retirement date, so audiences will just have to wait and see if Kimmel remains behind the desk or eventually decides on a quieter life away from the spotlight.  

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Would Jimmy Kimmel stepping away from late night change the show’s appeal? Let us know in the comments.