Jimmy Kimmel is returning as host of Jimmy Kimmel Live for the foreseeable future, with ABC and Kimmel extending his contract through 2025. The show follows an annual cycle that resumes new episodes each fall after the summer hiatus, typically returning in September. His ongoing commitments include hosting the Academy Awards for at least two additional years and producing films under his banner. Past scheduling disruptions, such as strikes or breaking news, can shift start dates by a few weeks, but the fall return has remained consistent.
Current contract status and confirmed timeline
Up to 2025 and beyond
ABC and Kimmel extended his tenure through the 2024–25 season, indicating a return at least through the 2025–26 television year. This aligns with his history of renewing multiyear deals that anchor the show’s continuity. As of now, there is no public indication that he plans to depart or reduce his role as host.
Expected yearly cycle
Jimmy Kimmel Live follows a predictable calendar: new episodes begin in late September after summer production and a brief hiatus, airing Monday through Thursday through the school year. During the summer, the show typically airs repeats or special programming. These patterns help viewers anticipate the annual return.
Key dates to watch
While exact premiere dates are set closer to the season start, here are reliable anchors to plan around:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Contract end | 2025 (current extension) | Network announcement and trade reporting |
| Usual return month | September | Historical schedule (2018–2024) |
| Typical episode days | Monday–Thursday during the school year | ABC fall preview and press materials |
| Awards hosting | Academy Awards through 2027 | ABC and AMPAS statements |
Seasonal patterns and scheduling
Jimmy Kimmel Live typically follows the academic calendar, with new episodes wrapping before May sweeps and resuming in September. Summer features curated repeats, specials, and occasional limited runs. While holiday breaks may adjust episode counts, they do not usually shift the seasonal return by more than a week.
How disruptions can affect the schedule
Breaking news, major awards seasons, or production interruptions can shift start dates by a week or two. However, the show has consistently returned in September across most years in its run. Understanding these patterns reduces uncertainty and clarifies when to expect the next new episodes.
What to expect after the summer break
After the summer lull, anticipate pre-season announcements in late summer, including premiere dates and any adjustments tied to awards timing or major live events. Social channels and ABC press pages typically update show times and special weeks. This period is a reliable signal that the regular cycle is restarting.
Long-term outlook through 2025 and beyond
With contracts in place through at least 2025, Jimmy Kimmel appears positioned to continue hosting for the foreseeable future. Multiyear agreements provide stability, reducing the likelihood of sudden changes. Audiences can reasonably expect the show to follow its established calendar, returning each fall with new episodes.
Summary of how to gauge return timing
- Look for September as the primary return window based on historical patterns.
- Monitor ABC announcements and press materials in late summer for exact premiere dates.
- Expect short, marginal shifts due to awards or live events, not full schedule overhauls.
- Note that contractual commitments through 2025 support continuity of the current format.
In short, when is Jimmy Kimmel coming back? He is already back for the new season, with the show resuming in September and running through the school year. For the most reliable updates, follow official network announcements and verified entertainment reporting in the weeks leading up to the fall launch.