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Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a staple of late-night television since its debut on ABC in 2003. But in September 2025, the show was abruptly suspended “indefinitely” after host Jimmy Kimmel made controversial remarks regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The move came in the face of sharp backlash from conservative media outlets, pressure from affiliates, and warnings from the FCC about regulatory consequences. So, how much money did Kimmel make from his talk show?

What was Jimmy Kimmel’s salary for ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’?

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When Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered on ABC in January 2003, it entered the crowded late-night landscape as a fresh alternative to established shows. It blended sharp humor with irreverent sketches and celebrity interviews. Initially broadcast from a modest studio in Hollywood, the program leaned heavily on Jimmy Kimmel’s playful, sometimes edgy comedic style. And it quickly cultivating a devoted audience. Over the years, the show evolved to include elaborate musical performances, viral comedy bits, and high-profile interviews that often made headlines.

Its adaptability, from political satire to heartfelt human-interest segments, helped Jimmy Kimmel Live! maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media environment while shaping Kimmel into one of late-night’s most recognizable personalities. As of September 2025, the show has been suspended indefinitely, which could cut into Kimmel’s net worth.

So, how much money did Kimmel bring in annually from his Jimmy Kimmel Live! salary? According to Forbes, he reportedly earned a $16 million annual salary. This is around the same amount as Stephen Colbert made for his late-night TV show.

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ was suspended following Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks after Charlie Kirk’s death

On Sept. 17, 2025, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During his Sept. 15 monologue, Kimmel suggested that the MAGA movement was attempting to politicize Kirk’s death, a statement that drew sharp criticism from conservative media and political figures. In response, Nexstar Media Group, which operates 32 ABC affiliate stations, announced it would no longer air the program, citing the remarks as offensive and inconsistent with the values of the communities it serves. Shortly thereafter, ABC confirmed the show’s suspension, though the network did not provide further details on the decision.

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to suggest that Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers should face cancellation next.

“Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” he posted, according to USA Today. “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.”

How will the late-night host make money without his show?

Even without his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel has multiple avenues to maintain his income. One of the most significant is producing and creating content through his production company, Kimmelot. The company has been behind hit shows like Crank Yankers, Win Ben Stein’s Money, and The Man Show, giving Kimmel a steady stream of revenue from licensing, syndication, and royalties. As a producer, he can also develop new television projects, digital content, or streaming series, tapping into the growing demand for original programming on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

Another major source of income is stand-up comedy and live events. Kimmel started his career in stand-up, and even sporadic tours or special appearances can be highly lucrative. Beyond traditional comedy, he can host award shows, charity events, or corporate gigs. Additionally, Kimmel’s recognizable voice and persona allow him to earn from voice acting, cameo appearances, and acting roles in TV and film.

Kimmel can also leverage his platform for sponsorships, brand partnerships, and social media promotions. With millions of followers on social media, he can promote products, collaborate with brands, or launch campaigns.

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