Jimmy Kimmel Announces Major Career Shift, Leaving Late Night After 22 Years
LOS ANGELES — In a development that has stunned the entertainment industry, veteran late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has formally announced his departure from the long-running ABC program "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after 22 years. The announcement was made Monday during a live broadcast from the show's Hollywood studio. Kimmel, 56, cited a desire to pursue new creative endeavors and dedicate more time to his family as the primary reasons for his exit. The final episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is scheduled to air in late 2024, concluding a historic tenure that has shaped late-night comedy and political commentary. Industry analysts anticipate a significant shakeup in the late-night television landscape, with ABC already beginning a search for Kimmel's successor. The network has not yet confirmed who will take over the coveted time slot. Kimmel's departure marks the end of an era, leaving fans and colleagues to reflect on his nearly quarter-century of influential broadcasts.