Stern Warns ABC of Backlash if Kimmel Contract Fails

Key points

• Howard Stern appeared on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to defend Kimmel against ABC, warning of 'hell to pay' if the show's future is jeopardized.
• Stern emphasized Kimmel's loyalty by citing his participation in ABC corporate functions and charity events, stating he is the most loyal person to the company.
• The show recently celebrated its 4,000th episode, with Kimmel referencing the FCC and White House in a jab at regulatory pressures.
• ABC previously dismissed reports of the show's cancellation as speculative, but negotiations for a season beyond 2027 are currently underway.
• TheWrap notes that Stern's comments follow a tense year for Kimmel, including a temporary suspension in September 2025 over comments about Charlie Kirk's assassin.

Background

This development follows a series of earlier reports where ABC dismissed rumors that 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' would end in 2027, calling them speculative and inaccurate. The show's contract runs through May 2027, and the network has maintained that future plans are uncertain. The recent suspension in September 2025, triggered by Kimmel's remarks about Charlie Kirk's assassin and involving FCC chair Brendan Carr, added to the tension surrounding the show's future. Stern's public defense marks a significant escalation in the public discourse around the contract negotiations.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News and TheWrap both report on Stern's warning to ABC, but they emphasize different aspects. Fox News highlights the potential backlash and Stern's emotional defense of Kimmel, while TheWrap focuses on the context of the contract negotiations and the show's recent history, including the suspension. TheWrap also notes that Stern's comments come after an unusually tense year for Kimmel and ABC, whereas Fox News emphasizes the loyalty and consequences of not renewing the contract. Both outlets agree on the core facts but differ in their framing of the situation.

Why it matters

The future of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' is a significant issue in the media industry, as the show is a major late-night program with a large audience. The potential cancellation or non-renewal of the contract could have implications for ABC's ratings and advertising revenue. Stern's public defense adds a layer of public pressure on ABC to make a decision, and the ongoing negotiations will likely be closely watched by industry observers and fans of the show.

What to watch

The next steps will likely involve the outcome of the contract negotiations between Kimmel and ABC. If the negotiations fail, the show may face cancellation or a change in network. The public and media will continue to monitor the situation, and any further developments will likely be reported by outlets like Fox News and TheWrap. The show's future will also depend on the broader media landscape and the impact of regulatory pressures from the FCC.