DINH DOONG

In a post-election bombshell, Jimmy Kimmel has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will air its final episode on January 20th, citing disillusionment with the United States after Donald Trump’s re-election and a “red wave” across the country. The late-night host, known for his biting political satire and monologues, is hanging up his microphone—and booking a one-way ticket to Canada.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Kimmel said in a statement dripping with a mix of frustration and exhaustion, “but I’m done. It’s been a great run, but I’ve had enough. After January 20th, the show is over, and I’m moving to Canada for good. You can all catch me north of the border if you need me—but I’m not coming back.”

The announcement has left viewers and fans stunned. After nearly two decades of tuning in for Kimmel’s late-night wit and political satire, his departure feels surreal to the millions of Americans who have made him a nightly ritual. Social media exploded with reactions, with fans expressing shock and dismay at the thought of Kimmel stepping away from American television for good.

“Is he serious?” tweeted one longtime fan. “I’ve watched Jimmy since his days on The Man Show! I never thought he’d just leave us.”

The reaction among the Jimmy Kimmel Live! staff has been equally emotional, with crew members sharing fond memories and saying they’re “devastated” to see the show end. “We’re like a family,” said one of the show’s producers. “Jimmy’s been with us through thick and thin, and it’s hard to believe he’s really leaving.”

But insiders say Kimmel’s decision didn’t come out of nowhere. The host has grown increasingly frustrated with American politics, and Trump’s re-election seems to have been the final straw. “The truth is, Jimmy’s exhausted,” said a close friend of the comedian. “He’s been holding it together for years, but this is it. He’s ready to go somewhere he can just relax—and where politics doesn’t feel like a circus.”

Kimmel has promised that his final show will be an unforgettable send-off, blending comedy with reflection on his time in late night and the state of the country he’s leaving behind. Rumors suggest he’s planning a “no-holds-barred” monologue in which he’ll take aim at Trump, the state of American politics, and the forces that he feels have made the country unrecognizable.

“He’s going to go all out,” said one source close to the show. “There’s nothing left to hold back now, and he knows it.”

Viewers can expect a star-studded farewell, with celebrity guests rumored to include longtime friends and colleagues, as well as some surprise appearances. Kimmel’s fellow late-night hosts, including Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, have hinted they may stop by to say goodbye, making it a send-off for the ages.

Kimmel’s choice of Canada has added an extra layer of intrigue to his departure. In his announcement, he joked, “At least in Canada, when someone says ‘maple syrup,’ they don’t mean a conspiracy theory.” Fans across the country have taken this as a tongue-in-cheek dig at the state of American discourse and the challenges of navigating late-night humor in a polarized landscape.

The Canadian media has already jumped on the news, with one Toronto newspaper publishing the headline: “Kimmel Bids Farewell to the U.S.—Can We Offer You a Tim Hortons Coffee, Eh?” Meanwhile, Canadians are eagerly speculating about what role the comedian might play in his new country, with some suggesting he’ll bring his sharp political commentary to Canadian TV.

In response, Kimmel issued a playful statement: “Maybe I’ll start a late-night show on Canadian public television. I’ll call it Kimmel, Eh?”

News of Kimmel’s decision has drawn reactions from his fellow hosts, many of whom consider him a trailblazer in the late-night genre. Stephen Colbert, known for his own political humor, commented, “We’re losing one of the best. Jimmy has always been willing to say the things we’re all thinking, and it won’t be the same without him.”

Trevor Noah, who has faced similar challenges with politically charged comedy, tweeted, “Props to Jimmy for standing by his beliefs—even if it means leaving. I’ll miss our friendly rivalry.”

Not all of Hollywood, however, is supportive. A few conservative commentators have mocked Kimmel’s departure, with one Fox News pundit remarking, “Is this supposed to be a protest or just a pity party? Good riddance.”

Even Tucker Carlson weighed in, saying, “Jimmy’s been out of touch for years. Maybe he’ll find an audience in Canada—if he’s lucky.”

Predictably, Kimmel’s detractors have had a field day with the news. Conservative figures on social media were quick to mock the comedian’s decision to leave, with one prominent commentator tweeting, “Kimmel always wanted to preach to the choir. Now he’ll be doing it from Canada.”

Another well-known conservative personality joked, “Maybe Trudeau can handle him. We’re happy to help Jimmy pack.”

Still, Kimmel’s supporters argue that his move represents a personal stand for his beliefs, with one fan tweeting, “Love him or hate him, Kimmel’s always spoken his mind. If he feels he has to leave, I respect that.”

With Kimmel’s departure, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is uncertain. Some industry insiders speculate that ABC might try to keep the show going with a new host, though Kimmel’s unique style and voice would be hard to replace. Rumors are swirling about possible successors, with names like Tiffany Haddish, Hasan Minhaj, and Michael Che being floated as potential replacements.

Still, it’s unclear if the show could without Kimmel. “Jimmy built this show from scratch,” said a network executive. “It’s hard to imagine anyone else filling his shoes.”

For now, ABC has not confirmed whether Jimmy Kimmel Live! will continue under a new host or if Kimmel’s departure marks the end of an era.

As the clock ticks down to his final episode, fans and critics alike are reflecting on the impact Kimmel has had on late-night television. From his early days on The Man Show to his transition into political humor, Kimmel’s career has spanned an era of enormous cultural and political change. Many believe he redefined late-night television by making it a platform for social issues and political critique.

“Kimmel’s not just a comedian; he’s a voice,” said one fan. “Love him or hate him, he’s always been willing to take a stand.”

With his departure, late-night television may lose one of its boldest voices, leaving behind questions about the future of political comedy in a fractured nation. Will Kimmel’s exit signal a trend of more entertainers seeking refuge from divisive politics? Or will he be remembered as a one-of-a-kind figure who chose to speak his truth, regardless of the consequences?

One thing is clear: when the lights dim on Kimmel’s final show, he will leave a void in American entertainment. As his fans prepare for the emotional farewell, one comment on social media seems to capture the mood: “We’ll miss you, Jimmy. Canada doesn’t know how lucky they are.”